Tony Romo will not return to CBS Sports after the network and its former lead NFL analyst agreed to part ways following his arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

CBS confirmed Romo’s departure on Friday, ending a nine-year broadcasting career that began when the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback moved directly into the network’s lead booth upon retiring in 2017. J.J. Watt, who replaced Romo alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson at the beginning of the season, will remain with CBS’s #1 broadcast team for the rest of the 2026 campaign. The network confirmed that its other pairings would remain unchanged, including Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn. It has not committed to Watt beyond the end of the season or described his elevation as permanent.

“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” the network said. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”

CBS’s announcement presents the separation as mutual, and the financial terms have not been disclosed, although Romo reportedly had four years and approximately $72m remaining on the ten-year, $180m contract he signed in 2020.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years,” Romo said. “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. 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 had been on indefinite leave since his 23rd July arrest following a traffic stop on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. He pleaded no contest to a civil charge of operating while intoxicated on 1st September and received a six-month driving ban, an $834 fine and a requirement to complete an alcohol assessment programme. An ignition interlock device was also ordered for vehicles he operated.

After entering his plea last month, Romo accepted responsibility for the incident and revealed that injuries from his playing career had contributed to problems with pain medication and alcohol, adding that the explanation was not intended to excuse his decision to drive after drinking. He also said he was working with medical professionals to address his health issues.

“Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain,” he said at the time. “That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.”

The 46-year-old suffered three broken collarbones and a series of back injuries during his career with Dallas. He missed 12 games in 2015 and made only one appearance the following season before retiring. His move into television was initially regarded as a major success. Romo drew praise for identifying formations and anticipating plays before the snap, rapidly becoming one of the NFL’s most prominent analysts. CBS rewarded him with a contract that reset the market for former players working in national broadcast booths.

Watt’s promotion now gives the network a second direct transition from a high-profile playing career to its leading game team. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023 before gaining experience as an in-game commentator. His first weeks alongside Nantz effectively became an unplanned audition once Romo was placed on leave, but CBS has now chosen stability for the remainder of the season rather than reshuffling its broadcast crews, although its long-term decision can wait until the winter.