Tony Romo hints at CBS future plans after breaks silence over ‘personal failure’

Tony Romo has issued his first public statement following his operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrest in July.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who has served as CBS Sports’ lead color analyst since retiring as a player, was stopped by officers from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office while driving south on I-43 in Wisconsin.

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He was taken into custody on July 23, after he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests, and was later put on leave by CBS.

Romo pleaded no contest to OWI on Tuesday, September 1, and according to online court records, faces a six-month driver’s license revocation, forfeiture of $784 plus $50, and completion of the Alcohol Assessment Program.

An ignition interlock device will also be installed on his vehicles, according to Fox6.

Tony Romo releases first statement on OWI arrest

In a post on Instagram, Romo shared that he plead no contest to a civil offense, and took full responsibility for his actions.

“Football has shaped nearly every meaningful part of my life. I played for more than 20 years, including 14 in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys,” Romo wrote.

“After my retirement, CBS gave me the profound honor of staying close to the game through broadcasting.

“Playing taught me the power of relationships, the strength of a team and the toughness to face failure head-on with honesty, resilience, and the determination to do better.

“This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me. This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely.

“Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.

“As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step.

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“The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward. That path requires honesty.

“None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.

“This past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant. It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully — to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.

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“I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners.

“Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know.

“As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period. God bless.”

Who is replacing Tony Romo?

Romo has been replaced in the CBS number one chair by former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive star JJ Watt.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year will stand in alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, although for how long has not been made clear.

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Romo’s statement suggestions he expects to return to the booth, although he also stops short of a timeline.

There have been reports that CBS may use Romo’s arrest to try and make a long-term change in the booth, with Greg Olsen tipped by many to join Nantz in a cross network move.

Olsen himself was relegated to the number two spot at Fox following Tom Brady’s gamechanging $375million deal, but with his contract expiring at the end of the 2026 season is expected to be a main in demand.