The Tony Romo era at CBS Sports is officially over. The network confirmed on Friday that it has parted ways with the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, ending a nine-year run that saw him become one of the most recognizable voices in NFL broadcasting.
Romo's exit comes after his arrest by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office on July 23. He faced charges of unsafe passing on the right, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and possessing open intoxicants. CBS placed him on leave shortly after, and J.J. Watt was brought in as his replacement for the 2026 season.
In a brief statement, CBS Sports said: “CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward. JJ Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on our lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season. All other teams remain the same, including Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn.”
Romo, who joined CBS in April 2017, issued his own statement shortly after the network's announcement. “I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life–with a desire to win and be the best that I can be,” he said. “I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
The 44-year-old had four years remaining on a 10-year, $180 million contract extension, which means there was still $72 million on the table. It's unclear whether Romo will receive that money, and it's equally uncertain if he'll pursue another broadcasting gig down the road. For now, he says his priority is his well-being and his family.
Romo quickly became a fan favorite for his ability to predict plays before they happened, and his chemistry with Jim Nantz was a big part of CBS's success. But his sudden departure leaves a void that J.J. Watt is now filling. Watt, a future Hall of Famer, has already shown promise in the booth, and if he continues to thrive alongside Nantz and Tracy Wolfson, he could lock down the full-time role.
This isn't the first time a broadcaster's personal life has made headlines, and it won't be the last. Romo's situation echoes the kind of scrutiny that WNBA analysts have faced when dealing with intense fan reactions, though the stakes here are clearly different. What remains to be seen is whether Romo can rebuild his reputation and find a new home in sports media.
For now, the focus shifts to Watt and the rest of the CBS team as they prepare for the remainder of the NFL season. As for Romo, he'll be taking a step back—something he says he's never done before. It's a humbling moment for a man who was once the face of CBS's NFL coverage, but it's also an opportunity for a fresh start.
Whether that fresh start includes a return to broadcasting or something entirely different, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the sports world will be watching.
