CBS tightlipped after Tony Romo arrest with pressure already mounting on broadcast future

Tony Romo has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI), and CBS could soon face a big decision over his broadcast future.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was pulled over around 6pm local time in Wisconsin on Thursday, and was arrested after he performed poorly on field sobriety tests.

Getty

He was released later that night, and has been ordered to appear in court on 21 September.

If found guilty of OWI, Romo could have his driver’s licence suspended, and be required to pay a fine.

Romo’s employer, CBS, has so far refused to comment on the incident.

But with the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, it’s far from ideal timing for Romo who has received mounting criticism after an initally stellar star to his career in the booth.

Romo has been CBS’ lead game analyst since 2017, and fans have become increasingly vocal about his perceived shortcomings during broadcasts.

Tom Brady’s $375million arrival in the Fox booth, Greg Olsen’s impending arrival as a free agent analyst all add to the intrigue around Romo’s future.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has already has his future called into question, despite signing a 10-year contract extension in 2020 that pays him $17 million per year.

His arrest also creates another headache for CBS, with calls for the network to replace him in the booth already growing louder ahead of the new season.

Taking to X, one fan wrote of the network: “Have to imagine if the arrest gives them an out in the contract, that they will take it.”

“Please, ******* please, let this lead to the eventual end of Romo in the booth,” another begged.

“Might be way to get out his awful contract and spare the viewers,” a third claimed.

“This is their out,” a fourth said of CBS.

Could CBS replace Tony Romo after OWI arrest?

While there is no official word from the network on Romo’s incident, fans have long called for him to make way for another NFL legend in the booth.

Greg Olsen, the No. 2 NFL analyst at Fox following Brady’s arrival, has been touted for the switch as his broadcasting stock continues to rise.

The former tight end earned rave reviews throughout 2025, and earlier this year, won the Sports Emmy award for Outstanding Personality/Event Analyst.

He was recognized ahead of Tom Brady, Fox’s No. 1 NFL analyst, whose arrival in 2024 essentially demoted Olsen.

Getty

Olsen’s contract with the network is reported to expire following the 2026 season, and previous reports have suggested he’s told his employer of being ‘unhappy’ with being on the No. 2 crew.

He would therefore be likely to listen to any offers that come his way, and CBS could turn to the highly-rated color commentator if they wish to replace Romo for 2027 and beyond.

Olsen vowed in January 2025 that he would ‘call big-time games again’.

He didn’t put a timeline on that claim, but could be doing it for CBS one day, and some fans have already called for the switch.

Getty

“With a little luck this leads to Greg Olsen being the lead for CBS,” one wrote on X.

“If CBS was ever gonna make a play for Greg Olsen, they now have a built in reason and excuse to do so,” another claimed.

“Could we finally get Greg Olsen on the big stage again? Do the right thing CBS,” a third urged.

“CBS should make a deal with Fox. Would love to see Olsen and (Jim) Nantz together in the booth,” a fourth said.

The landscape of NFL broadcasting is already shifting, with huge changes at ESPN underway after their aquisition and Brady’s Fox contract.

CBS may not be far away from some decisions of their own.