CBS Sports and Tony Romo have ended their nine-year partnership, with J.J. Watt set to remain alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on the network’s top NFL broadcast crew.
The separation was announced Friday, roughly a month after Romo pleaded no contest to an operating-while-intoxicated charge stemming from a July 23 traffic stop in Wisconsin. Romo, 46, had been away from CBS since his arrest and had served as the network’s lead NFL game analyst since 2017.
CBS said the decision was mutual, thanked Romo for his work over the past nine years and wished him well. Watt joined Nantz and Wolfson during Romo’s absence and will stay in that role. CBS’ other NFL announcing teams are not changing.
- Tony Romo: No longer with CBS Sports after a mutual departure; had been on leave since his July 23 arrest.
- J.J. Watt: Will continue as analyst on CBS Sports’ No. 1 NFL booth with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
- Jim Nantz: Remains the play-by-play voice of CBS’ lead NFL team.
- Tracy Wolfson: Remains the sideline reporter for CBS’ lead NFL team.
Romo was stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. He entered a no-contest plea on Sept. 1. Milwaukee County court records show that his driving privileges were suspended for six months and that he must complete an alcohol assessment program.
In a statement issued after the plea, Romo apologized and said the episode forced him to confront his actions with his faith, his family and the public. He said chronic pain following multiple back surgeries after his playing career contributed to dependence on pain medication, while attempts to stop using that medication resulted in what he described as an excessive reliance on alcohol.
Romo stressed that his medical history did not excuse his conduct, saying he accepts responsibility for his failures. He added that he is working with doctors on his health and the changes needed moving forward.
Before moving into broadcasting, Romo spent his entire 2004-16 NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. The former quarterback earned four Pro Bowl selections before retiring from the field.
