Tony Romo issues first public apology since July OWI arrest

Tony Romo 's broadcasting future remains uncertain after his July arrest for OWI in Wisconsin, but the former Dallas Cowboys star is speaking out for the first time since the viral event.

The CBS analyst and former NFL quarterback remains sidelined from the television network ahead of the 2026 season. J.J. Watt is slated to step into Romo's role in the interim alongside veteran commentator Jim Nantz.

It's unclear how long that booth relationship will last, but Watt is highly respected within the NFL and sports media communities so there's a real chance CBS sticks with him long-term.

Romo released a statement via social media Tuesday to express his deep regret for the arrest and to take accountability for the matter.

Tony Romo issues statement after July OWI arrest

CBS broadcaster and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo reacts before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

There are two very intriguing parts of Romo's public acknowledgment. The first being that he plead no contest to the OWI offense. Meanwhile, he ends his statement by suggesting his "return to CBS" is still a top priority.

Romo recently teased a CBS return when a TMZ report emerged that he's communicating with the TV station over next steps towards a comeback.

This is an important distinction made by Romo because CBS hasn't terminated his massive contract. The network placed him on leave in late July following the arrest, but he's still employed at this moment.

A statement from Tony Romo, via his social media: pic.twitter.com/Qm27TuNtaD — Nathan Karseno (@nathankarseno) September 1, 2026

A statement from Tony Romo, via his social media: pic.twitter.com/Qm27TuNtaD

Nathan Karseno (@nathankarseno) September 1, 2026

Romo joined CBS in 2017 as an in-game analyst after playing in the NFL for many years. Meanwhile, he signed a contract three years later that pays him $180 million over a 10-year period.

The former Cowboys star is already six years into that deal, but it's unclear if CBS plans to use his arrest as leverage to void the remainder of his contract.