Tony Romo’s next NFL broadcast remains up in the air as CBS weighs its options following his July arrest. The network has now made clear that it has not decided when, or if, the former Cowboys quarterback will return to its NFL coverage, leaving his future with the broadcaster hanging in limbo.
Tony Romo’s CBS future just got a lot more uncertain
CBS Sports President David Berson addressed the situation Tuesday at the network’s NFL Media Day in Manhattan. Rather than offer a return date, Berson said there was “no timetable or final decision at this time.” He described Romo’s status as an “evolving situation” and said CBS must consider how its decision affects the company’s image and brand (via The Athletic).
Romo joined CBS in 2017 after retiring from the NFL and quickly became the network’s lead game analyst alongside Jim Nantz. The pair built a popular broadcast partnership, although their chemistry has reportedly cooled in recent seasons. Romo’s current contract, signed in 2020, runs for 10 years and $180 million, with four years and $72 million reportedly remaining.
The uncertainty began after Milwaukee police arrested Romo, 46, on July 23 on suspicion of driving a vehicle while intoxicated. Officers stopped him after alleging “lane deviation and unsafe passing” as he left the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament. Body-camera footage later surfaced, prompting CBS to expand his leave to an indefinite status. Romo has a September 21 court date.
CBS has already started preparing for life without its longtime analyst. Berson pointed to the network’s “very deep bench,” while CBS elevated former NFL star J.J. Watt to work with Nantz on its top broadcast team. Watt reportedly impressed during his first season as a CBS analyst, giving the network a ready-made replacement while Romo remains away.
Romo’s absence has also shifted attention toward what happens to his partnership with Nantz. Nantz previously praised their relationship and compared their hoped-for legacy to the famous Pat Summerall-John Madden pairing.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
