Tony Romo out as NFL broadcaster amid CBS leave - USA Today

The Tony Romo era at CBS Sports has ended.

The network and its former top NFL game analyst, who had been with CBS since leaving his playing days with the Dallas Cowboys, have "mutually agreed to part ways."

"We thank Tony for his contributions over the last nine years and wish him the best moving forward," CBS said in a statement.

Romo was arrested and pleaded no contest to three charges related to an operating a vehicle while intoxicated incident in Wisconsin in July. He was placed on indefinite leave shortly thereafter.

JJ Watt, who had been named Romo's replacement on an interim basis, will finish the season in the top booth alongside Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter).

Romo was arrested following a golf outing July 23 and was charged with unsafe passing on the right, possessing open intoxicants and operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Police bodycam footage that was released following the arrest went viral.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life – with a desire to win and be the best that I can be," Romo said in a statement. "I'm going to use this time to take a break, something I've never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”

Romo, 46, broke onto the broadcasting scene with a flash in 2017, as his excitement and knowledge of defenses around the league – having just faced them as a player – was a fresh perspective. He quickly became arguably the most sought-after broadcaster in the business for a time, until his act wore thin with many viewers and his ability to predict the next play waned.

Before that, though, Romo and CBS agreed to a lucrative 10-year, $180 million deal in early 2020 that reset the color commentator market. Romo had four years and approximately $72 million on that contract left.

On Aug. 11, CBS Sports president David Berson said the network put Romo on leave and promoted Watt to start the season in order to provide stability with the season rapidly approaching.

“We have to consider the impact on our image and on our brand,” Berson said.

CBS does not have the upcoming Super Bowl in 2027 but is slated to air the game in 2028.