Some thought Tom Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract from Fox Sports was ridiculous. Now, Tony Romo’s 10-year, $180 million contract signed with CBS Sports isn’t looking the best either.
The network just placed the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback on leave after he was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Romo reportedly also had an open container of alcohol with him in the vehicle at the time of his arrest.
Now, even though Romo’s contract was signed back in 2020, some are now calling it the “worst contract in media history.”
Tony Romo’s CBS Deal Backfires
Surprisingly, as The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported, a “top sports media executive” reportedly told him shortly after Romo signed his contract that it was the “worst contract in media history.” While Marchand may not have agreed at the time, now he says, “It may end up being just that.”
Marchand adds that, over the next four years alone, Romo is in line to receive $72 million from CBS Sports. Yet, now that money is in jeopardy.
“Romo’s contract calls for him to receive a nearly implausible $72 million over the next four years, but he is going to have to make quite a case to get his top job back,” Marchand reports. “It’s not impossible, but it is going to take some work.”
The other question is, with Romo being placed on leave, how long would he be forced out of the booth? Perhaps more importantly, when would he be set to return to the network’s top NFL broadcast team?
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“If he misses the first month of the season, when does he return?” Marchand asked. “How does he return? With CBS slated to air a Super Bowl in February 2028, would he have any chance then? His poor performance in recent seasons is a factor here.”
While Romo is no longer subject to NFL punishment as if he were a player, his broadcasting contract still includes what Marchand calls a “morals clause.” That could be where Romo’s trouble lies.
“Like all on-air TV contracts, Romo’s deal includes a morals clause, and networks can challenge if a star can still represent their brand in a positive fashion after a public embarrassment,” Marchand wrote. “If Romo were still working at a Madden-like level, his case to keep his job would be stronger. Since he was already trending the wrong way, he has some work to do.”
In other words, it’s possible CBS Sports uses Romo’s slip-up as an excuse to move on from him as an analyst. Seeing what CBS does next will be fascinating as the NFL season draws near.
For now, J.J. Watt is set to replace Romo next to Jim Nantz. The question is, how long will that duo remain in place, and is there room for Romo’s return?
