Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said former quarterback Tony Romo will overcome his recent OWI arrest after CBS Sports placed the analyst on leave.
Romo was placed on leave following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Speaking from Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California, Jones told Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth reporter Mike Doocy that he expects the 46-year-old to handle the situation.
"Been talking to him," Jones said. "I love him. I love what he’s about. I love his love of sport. He’s a very, very unique talent."
Jones expressed complete confidence in Romo's ability to navigate the trouble. "The real question is, and I don’t even have to think what the answer is: 'Do you think Tony Romo knows how to get up when he gets knocked down?'" Jones said. "He’s had a life of that. And absolutely, that's one of his greatest attributes is that he can handle adversity. This is something that he will work through."
NFL career and broadcasting work
Romo joined the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted player out of Eastern Illinois in 2003 after excelling at high school golf and tennis. He stepped in for injured quarterback Drew Bledsoe in 2006 and earned the first of four Pro Bowl selections that season.
After retiring in 2016, Romo transitioned to broadcasting as the lead color analyst for the NFL on CBS. Jones praised Romo's quick mind and communication skills on the field.
"He is a unique talent," Jones said. "His vision was just mesmerizing when he was a player. But he sees things and can articulate it so instantly."
Jones recalled watching Romo direct practice sessions in Dallas. "He’d walk out under center at a practice and the defense would have 12 people out there and it would take him about a second to say: 'Coach, we’ve got 12 guys out here, get one of them off on the defense,'" Jones said. "It’s made him a great, great portrayer of football games. So obviously I’m a big fan of his, big fan of his family. Let me tell you right now, he’s as real as he sounds."
CBS suspension and broadcasting criticism
Romo's broadcast career ran into trouble after video of his Milwaukee arrest went viral, showing him failing several sobriety tests. CBS Sports announced on Friday that Romo has been placed on leave until further notice.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, former player JJ Watt will replace Romo for the time being, joining lead play-caller Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on CBS broadcasts.
The suspension comes as Romo approaches his 10th season with the network amid growing criticism from viewers over errors and strange affectations. During last season's playoffs alone, Romo confused Josh Allen with Patrick Mahomes, uttered a strange groan during the Bills-Jaguars game, and mistook a 4th & 1 carry for a first down.
Romo later addressed the Bills-Jaguars broadcast, stating that he felt ill during the game. "We had a bunch of guys sick, we were just grinding through it," Romo said. "You’re not going to miss a playoff game."
Arrest details and court date
The July 23 arrest occurred as Romo was driving home in his Jeep after competing in a golf tournament in Milwaukee. When questioned by police officers, Romo denied drinking any alcohol that day.
Citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office showed officers found an open container of alcohol on the passenger side of Romo's vehicle. The OWI charge carries a $1,066 fine alongside a $235 penalty for a moving violation.
Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21, at the end of Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
Off the field, Romo dated Jessica Simpson from 2007 to 2009. He is married to former broadcast journalist and past Miss Missouri Candice Crawford Romo, with whom he has three children.
