Tony Romo is back in the NFL headlines after CBS Sports and the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback agreed to part ways following nine years together. The decision comes after Romo was placed on leave following his July 2026 arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).
The former NFL quarterback had become one of the most recognizable voices in football broadcasting since retiring from the Dallas Cowboys. His unexpected exit from CBS has now created questions about his future in sports media, his next career move and Tony Romo net worth.
Tony Romo and CBS Agree to Part Ways
CBS Sports announced on October 2, 2026, that it had mutually agreed to part ways with Romo. The network thanked him for his contributions over nine years and wished him well moving forward.
Romo had been working as CBS’s lead NFL game analyst alongside Jim Nantz for much of his broadcasting career. He was initially expected to remain with the network through the end of his contract, but his July arrest changed those plans.
CBS has continued using J.J. Watt as its lead analyst after Romo was placed on leave before the 2026 season.
Why Did Tony Romo Leave CBS?
Romo’s CBS departure followed his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee on an OWI charge. According to court records cited by ESPN, an arresting officer reported detecting an odor of alcohol and said Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests.
Romo later pleaded no contest on September 1. His driving privileges were revoked for six months, and he was ordered to use an ignition interlock device, complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a $784 fine.
Following the case, Romo publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding his alcohol use. He said multiple back surgeries had left him dealing with significant pain and that his efforts to move away from pain medication contributed to an over-reliance on alcohol.
Romo also accepted responsibility for his actions, saying they were his failures and not an excuse.
Tony Romo’s Statement After Leaving CBS
Following the CBS announcement, Romo said he was proud of what he accomplished during his nine years with the network.
He explained that he planned to take a break and focus on his family and health before deciding what comes next professionally.
That statement leaves Romo’s broadcasting future open. There has been no announcement that he is immediately joining another network.
Tony Romo’s NFL Career
Before becoming a broadcaster, Tony Romo enjoyed a notable career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Romo entered the NFL in 2004 and spent his entire professional playing career with Dallas. He became the team’s starting quarterback and eventually established himself as one of the franchise’s most productive passers.
He earned four Pro Bowl selections and played in the NFL from 2004 through 2016.
After retiring from football, Romo quickly transitioned into broadcasting. His ability to explain offensive concepts and predict plays helped make him a prominent television analyst.
Tony Romo as a CBS Broadcaster
Romo joined CBS Sports shortly after retiring and quickly became a major part of the network’s NFL coverage.
His chemistry with Jim Nantz became one of the defining features of CBS’s football broadcasts. Romo was particularly known for breaking down plays before they happened and explaining quarterback decisions to viewers.
His broadcasting success also led to a major long-term contract. Reports cited in the supplied material said Romo had been working under a deal worth $180 million that was scheduled to run through 2030.
The separation agreement reportedly includes payments to Romo, although the exact financial terms have not been publicly disclosed.
Tony Romo Net Worth
Tony Romo net worth is difficult to establish precisely because there is no official public financial statement confirming his current total wealth.
However, his earnings have come from several major sources, including his NFL career, endorsement opportunities and his lucrative CBS broadcasting contract.
His reported $180 million CBS contract became one of the biggest deals for a sports broadcaster. Because the exact terms of his separation from CBS have not been publicly detailed, it is not possible to determine precisely how much of that agreement Romo will ultimately receive.
Therefore, published estimates of Tony Romo net worth should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed figures.
Who Could Replace Tony Romo at CBS?
Romo’s departure has already triggered speculation about CBS’s next move.
Cowboys insider Mike Fisher suggested that the network should consider Troy Aikman. Aikman is another former Dallas quarterback who has built a long broadcasting career and currently works with Joe Buck at ESPN.
Aikman has won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys and has spent more than two decades as a broadcaster. His ESPN contract situation has also attracted attention because his reported five-year deal is approaching its conclusion.
Greg Olsen has also been mentioned as a potential option, while J.J. Watt remains another possibility after taking over CBS’s lead analyst role during Romo’s absence.
What Is Next for Tony Romo?
For now, Romo appears focused on taking time away from broadcasting.
His statement indicates that his immediate priorities are his family and personal well-being before he considers another professional opportunity.
The former Cowboys quarterback has already successfully moved from the NFL field to the broadcast booth once. Whether he eventually returns to television, takes another role in football or pursues a different opportunity remains unknown.
For fans searching for updates on Tony Romo, his CBS exit marks the end of a significant nine-year chapter in his post-NFL career, while his next move remains to be determined.
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