Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to OWI, Admits Alcohol Dependency in Wisconsin

Tony Romo, well known as the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and a lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, was arrested in July 2026 while driving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. According to ABC News and The Independent, police stopped Romo, and he was charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI).

Following his arrest, Romo publicly admitted to struggling with an alcohol dependency. He linked his alcohol use to chronic pain from his football career, stating that injuries and the use of painkillers had contributed to his reliance on alcohol, as reported by NBC News and CBS.

On September 1, 2026, Romo pleaded no contest to the OWI charge in a Wisconsin court. In his statement, he took responsibility for his actions and apologized, saying, 'None of this is an excuse,' according to CBS and TMZ.

ESPN reported that Romo's driving privileges were revoked for six months following his plea. The incident also led to a suspension from his position as lead NFL analyst at CBS Sports, with JJ Watt announced as his temporary replacement.

Romo's admission and apology were widely covered. He said the pain and injuries from his playing days were at the root of his struggles with alcohol. Outlets like Time.news and Newser highlighted his openness about seeking help and his call for personal accountability.

The story drew attention not just because of Romo's celebrity status, but also because of his willingness to publicly address his addiction and the consequences of his actions.

Romo's no contest plea means he will face legal penalties, including a six-month loss of driving privileges. He remains suspended from his broadcast role at CBS Sports, with JJ Watt filling in.

Romo has stated his intention to seek help for his alcohol dependency. His public apology and acknowledgment of his struggles have been noted across major news outlets.

It remains to be seen when or if Romo will return to his analyst role at CBS Sports. His progress in seeking help for his alcohol dependency and any further legal or professional consequences will likely be watched closely in the coming months.