Tony Romo's CBS Future in Doubt as Arrest Could Put Remaining $72 Million of Contract Under Scrutiny

Tony Romo's future with CBS Sports has become uncertain after the network placed the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback on leave following his recent operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrest in Wisconsin.

While CBS has not announced any long-term decision regarding its lead NFL analyst, the move has sparked speculation about the remainder of Romo's landmark broadcasting contract and whether the network could seek to move on before it expires.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Romo remains on leave "until further notice." The network has not disclosed whether the leave is paid or how long it will last.

CBS faces major decision ahead of the NFL season

CBS has already named former NFL star J.J. Watt to join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on its top NFL broadcast team while Romo remains away from the booth. The timing is significant, with the 2026 NFL season approaching and Romo scheduled to appear in court on September 21 following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee.

Authorities allege Romo passed traffic on the right and entered a restricted highway area before being stopped by police. Officers later cited him for operating while intoxicated and another traffic violation. Body-camera footage reportedly shows Romo denying he had consumed alcohol, struggling through field sobriety tests, and declining a preliminary breath test. Police also said an open alcoholic beverage was found inside the vehicle.

Romo joined CBS immediately after retiring from the NFL in 2017 and quickly became one of television's most celebrated football analysts. His ability to predict plays before the snap earned widespread praise and ultimately helped him secure a 10-year, $180 million contract extension in 2020, then the richest analyst deal in sports television.

Reports estimate approximately $72 million remains on that agreement. However, whether CBS can terminate the contract without paying the remaining value is unknown because its terms have never been made public.

Industry observers have noted that many high-profile broadcasting contracts include morality or conduct clauses, but the exact language in Romo's agreement has not been disclosed. As a result, it remains unclear whether an arrest alone would permit termination or whether additional legal proceedings would be required.

For now, CBS has made only one official decision: Romo will remain off the air while the network evaluates its next steps. Whether he returns to the lead booth, assumes a different role, or becomes involved in a broader contractual dispute will likely depend on both the legal outcome of his case and CBS's long-term plans for its NFL coverage.