NFL media personnel are still in shock following Tony Romo’s recent OWI arrest.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was arrested last Thursday evening in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. Romo, a Burlington, Wisconsin, native, was in his home state to play in the Wisconsin State Amateur Championship, held Monday through Thursday in West Bend.
However, Romo’s homecoming ended on a sour note.
NFL Media Reacts to Footage of Tony Romo’s Arrest
With news of Romo’s arrest, NFL media personalities took to social media to express their shock and concern surrounding the incident.
Footage showed Romo trying to explain away the incident before refusing to take a breathalyzer.
The first Tony Romo video had me scratching my head thinking wtf am I watching he seemed fine but the second one of the test they gave him is like wow bro is def hammered pic.twitter.com/v89f8EPsxM https://t.co/BULqFp49oS
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) July 29, 2026
The first video Romo was cooperative and cordial and seemed okay. The video with the actual sobriety tests, it feels like he could start screaming for help from Gene Steratore at any moment https://t.co/vRgVoTzGIC
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) July 29, 2026
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand questioned Romo’s plan of action, noting the whole process could’ve been way easier if he had immediately reached out to his lawyer.
I don’t know the law in Wisconsin but, from the Romo video, are you not allowed to call your lawyer?
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 29, 2026
While some noted the CBS NFL Analyst’s level of intoxication, others commended him for being transparent with the police during the investigation and taking accountability for his actions.
I give Tony Romo credit for calling CBS and his bosses not long after this OWI incident went down. Definitely part of the reason why his job with them is not in jeopardy. They appreciated him being honest and transparent with them immediately about what happened. https://t.co/NsVcHHSyXL
— Ian Cameron (@bobanobets) July 29, 2026
There were also some on social media who were happy Romo was able to recognize his rights while allegedly under the influence.
Tony Romo is absolutely right. Don’t ever blow for the police https://t.co/15FH9s0sJt
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) July 29, 2026
Details on Tony Romo’s Arrest
Tony Romo was arrested on July 23 after the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said he failed the standardized field sobriety tests before being taken into custody. In the now-public video, Romo stated that he was on his way to his grandparents’ house after leaving the golf course.
When asked by police, the former quarterback said he had consumed “zero drinks.”
Romo was booked on a first-time OWI, which is considered a traffic violation and not a criminal charge in Wisconsin.
The four-time Pro-Bowler has been the face of CBS’ No. 1 broadcast booth since he stepped out of the huddle and into the booth in 2017. He immediately became the network’s top analyst and signed a blockbuster deal that made him one of the highest-paid voices in sports television.
What Comes Next
Despite the news of his OWI, the widely held expectation is that CBS will not release Romo. He is expected back in court on September 21.
