Tony Romo placed on leave by CBS Sports ‘until further notice’ following OWI arrest, JJ Watt to replace him in booth

By Chris Cwik, Contributing writer

CBS Sports NFL analyst Tony Romo will go on leave from the network for an undetermined amount of time following his arrest for suspected operating while intoxicated (OWI), the network announced Friday.

Romo, 46, was arrested in Milwaukee on July 23 for suspicion of operating while intoxicated. He was taken into custody after reportedly performing poorly when given a field-sobriety test, per reports.

Body-cam footage of Romo’s arrest surfaced Thursday, and police reports noted an open container of alcohol was reportedly found in Romo’s vehicle after he was stopped. Romo, who grew up in Wisconsin, told officers he was on his way to “visit grandma and grandpa” when he was pulled over.

Romo was booked and released following the arrest. He’s due back in court Sept. 21.

A first offense charge of OWI carries a fine and a temporary driver’s license suspension in Wisconsin. Depending on Romo’s blood-alcohol level, he could also be subject to a year in a sobriety program.

After playing 13 years in the NFL, all of which came with the Dallas Cowboys, Romo turned to broadcasting. He ascended quickly, becoming part of the top team at CBS Sports, where he paired up with Jim Nantz to call the biggest games for the network.

With Romo on leave, former Houston Texans great JJ Watt will take Romo’s place on broadcasts, teaming with Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, CBS Sports announced.

It’s unclear when, or if, Romo will return to CBS Sports. The network announced Romo would be on leave “until further notice,” not providing a timeline for the former quarterback’s return to the broadcast booth.