What’s going on with Tony Romo? Ex-Dallas Cowboys quarterback makes candid confession about “over-reliance on alcohol”

Tony Romo has opened up about his personal struggle after pleading no contest to a civil OWI offense in Wisconsin. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback admitted he has been dealing with an alcohol problem, linking it to years of pain following multiple back surgeries. Romo addressed the situation publicly on Instagram, accepting responsibility for his actions and explaining how his dependence on pain medication eventually shifted toward alcohol. His statement was unusually candid for a former NFL star who has spent years in the public eye as one of football’s most recognizable broadcasters.Romo’s comments came after his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee County. The 46-year-old was facing multiple citations following a traffic stop, including operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing and possessing an open intoxicant. He has now accepted the consequences of the OWI offense while also outlining the steps he is taking to address his health. His driving privileges have been revoked for six months, and he must complete an alcohol assessment program.Tony Romo makes confession about “over-reliance on alcohol”Tony Romo’s statement focused less on the legal case and more on the personal road that led him there.The former Cowboys quarterback said multiple back surgeries ended his playing career earlier than expected and left him dealing with “constant, debilitating pain.” He explained that the pain first led to dependence on medication. His efforts to stop taking those medications eventually resulted in what he described as an “over-reliance on alcohol.”Romo did not present his history as an excuse. Instead, he accepted responsibility while explaining the circumstances behind his struggles.“As I have told my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward.”He also said he is working closely with a team of doctors to address his health. Romo thanked his family, friends and members of the NFL community for supporting him during a difficult period.Among those offering support was Tom Brady, who joined others in responding to Romo’s Instagram post.Tony Romo pleads no contest to OWI charge, issues apologyRomo pleaded no contest to the OWI offense on Sept. 1, bringing a significant development in the legal matter that began with his July arrest.Court records show his driving privileges were revoked for six months. He was also ordered to complete an alcohol assessment program and pay $834 in fines. An ignition interlock device must be installed on vehicles owned, operated or registered in his name, with the requirement lasting for at least one year after his license is reissued.The other citations connected to the arrest were dismissed.Romo was stopped while driving southbound on Interstate 43 after reportedly being observed making an unsafe pass. According to the supplied records, he performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests. Body camera footage later showed Romo telling deputies he had been coming from a golf tournament and was heading to visit his grandparents.The arrest came after Romo had competed in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship earlier that day. He finished tied for 73rd.Romo looks ahead to health, family and CBS returnThe legal consequences are only one part of the situation for Romo. His immediate focus is now on his health and family.“The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant,” Romo said. “It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully—to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.”He also made clear he wants privacy while working through the situation.“As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period.”Romo has been on leave from CBS since July 31. J.J. Watt is set to join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on the network’s lead NFL broadcast team during his absence.For Romo, the next chapter is less about football than it is about addressing a problem he has now acknowledged publicly and taking the steps he believes are necessary to move forward.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.