CBS execs make a decision on Tony Romo’s future after $18m-a-year NFL analyst’s shock arrest… and growing backlash against his bizarre calls in the commentary booth

CBS bosses will not fire Tony Romo from his $18 million-a-year NFL analyst role following his arrest last week, but the Daily Mail understands that the ex-Dallas Cowboys star may take a brief step back.

The 46-year-old former quarterback was pictured smirking in a humiliating mugshot on Thursday after being arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee.

Romo, who forms half of CBS’ top NFL broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz, was pulled over on a high-rise bridge at around 6pm, going on to perform poorly in a series of sobriety tests before being taken into custody.

A report from The California Post on Monday cited court documents that allege Romo was uncooperative with cops. He was released from jail hours later and is due in court on September 21, although Romo has yet to make any public comment.

A source has since told the Daily Mail that Romo knows he made a ‘terrible decision’ and has ‘disappointed’ his colleagues and family.

But CBS will not be firing Romo from its biggest NFL games before the new season, despite already facing calls to axe him over his bizarre performances in the booth last year.

Romo smirked in his mugshot after being arrested for OWI in Milwaukee after a golf event

One source told the Daily Mail: ‘He might step back a little, short term, but he isn’t going anywhere long term. That wouldn’t make any sense for us at all.’

A CBS executive added: ‘I don’t want to act like it’s not a big deal, because it is. But it’s not going to get him fired.’

Another insider revealed: ‘Thankfully, Tony didn’t hurt himself or anyone else, and most importantly, no lives were lost. He knows he made a terrible decision and is well aware of it and he knows he disappointed not only himself, but those he works with and family.

‘He contacted his bosses almost immediately to let them know what had happened because he understood the story would spread quickly once it became public. He’s already canceled his appearance at the golf tournament he was scheduled to attend and play in, and over the next few weeks he’s looking to keep a low profile while focusing on getting himself ready for the upcoming season.

‘In the meantime, he’ll deal with the legal process, comply with whatever the court decides, and let his attorneys handle the situation as they work toward resolving the matter. His goal is to put this behind him as quickly as possible.

‘As for his job, he won’t be fired. While the incident is unquestionably serious, those around him view it as an isolated lapse in judgment rather than something that defines him.

‘Tony is well-liked with his colleagues and bosses, and the belief is that he’ll face the consequences from the courts but ultimately will move on from whatever punishment comes about. If something like this were to happen again, suspensions or even termination would certainly be on the table.

‘For now, though, the expectation is that he should stay out of the spotlight; the season will begin, and he’ll be able to move forward from the incident without any lasting impact on his career.’

The Daily Mail has contacted CBS and Romo’s attorney for comment.

Romo, who grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Cowboys, leading Dallas to four postseason appearances as the team’s starting quarterback between 2006 and 2015.

Romo, who famously dated Jessica Simpson, is married to wife Candice, a past Miss Missouri

The former quarterback spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys

However, despite earning four Pro Bowl nods during his time on the field, Romo failed to make it to the Super Bowl, never advancing past the divisional round.

He lost his starting position to then-rookie Dak Prescott in 2016, retiring from football at the end of that season.

After hanging up his cleats, Romo went on to become the lead color analyst for NFL on CBS. He will be entering his tenth season as a sportscaster this fall.

In recent seasons, Romo has been criticized for his strange affectations and his errors in commentary.

Whether it was confusing Josh Allen for Patrick Mahomes, letting out a bizarre groan in Bills-Jaguars or calling a 4th & 1 carry like a first-down, Romo had his share of blunders in last season’s playoffs alone. 

Romo said he felt unwell during the Bills-Jaguars incident, explaining: ‘We had a bunch of guys sick, we were just grinding through it. You’re not going to miss a playoff game.’

In December 2023, at the height of ‘Tayvis’ Mania, Romo bizarrely addressed Taylor Swift as the wife of Travis Kelce while she watched him play for the Kansas City Chiefs.

It came long before the couple announced their engagement back in August of 2025 and got married last month.

But the rogue play-calling is something Romo is becoming known for and in the eyes of many NFL fans, it is increasingly at the expense of the CBS coverage. 

Romo, who famously dated Jessica Simpson from 2007 to 2009, is married to Candice Crawford Romo, a former broadcast journalist and past Miss Missouri. They have three children.

After hanging up his cleats, Romo went on to become the lead color analyst for NFL on CBS

Romo was due to play in Texas this week but he has quietly withdrawn from the tournament

On Sunday, Romo quietly pulled out of the Texas State Open golf tournament in the wake of his shocking drunk driving arrest. 

He was previously listed among the participants in the historic competition at Cascades Country Club in Tyler, Texas this week, but organizers revealed he will no longer play.

In a statement to KLTV, the club confirmed: ‘Although we’re disappointed he won’t be joining us, we’re still looking forward to an exciting week of competitive golf.’

Romo is a yearly participant in the Texas State Open golf tournament, an historic event which is open to both professionals and amateurs.

Held in Tyler since 2018, the 56th running of the competition is due to tee off on Monday, but Romo appears keen to stay out of the spotlight as the fallout continues.

Romo was also due to participate in a Q&A ahead of the start of the tournament, which organizers confirmed he will also not be present for.