Dallas Cowboys legend and NFL analyst Tony Romo has broken his silence following his July arrest in Wisconsin for driving while intoxicated and his subsequent leave from CBS.
Authorities later cited him for OWI and an open intoxicant violation as well as unsafe passing on the right side.
NFL World Reacts to Tony Romo’s Statement After OWI Arrest
Romo has since pleaded no contest to a civil OWI offense and released a lengthy statement taking responsibility while also revealing his battle with pain medication and alcohol.
Romo released a statement on his Instagram account, writing that he was not attempting to make excuses for his actions through the post.
“This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely,” Romo wrote.
The 46-year-old then revealed that multiple back surgeries and constant pain had led to a dependence on pain medication. In his statement, Romo revealed that his efforts to get off those medications eventually resulted in his over-reliance on alcohol.
“None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them. I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes,” Romo stated while thanking his family, friends, and the NFL community for their support.
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“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,” the former Cowboys QB further wrote.
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The NFL world soon reacted to the statement. While some praised Romo’s honesty and willingness to confront his struggles, others questioned the timing and nature of his explanation.
Josh Graham was among those who praised Romo’s statement, writing on X that the former NFL quarterback did not try to hide behind a carefully crafted apology.
“This is a strong statement by Tony Romo,” Graham wrote. “There’s no phony apology in here and little PR softening. He also acknowledges a personal struggle and cites the reasons for that struggle without letting himself off the hook.
“Honesty is refreshing and I’m now rooting for Romo’s return,” Graham added.
This is a strong statement by Tony Romo.
There’s no phony apology in here and little PR softening. He also acknowledges a personal struggle and cites the reasons for that struggle without letting himself off the hook. Honesty is refreshing and I’m now rooting for Romo’s return. pic.twitter.com/YdWcpps5Om — Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) September 1, 2026
NFL editor Joey Gulino defended Romo, calling the statement an important step in confronting addiction.
“This is brave and mature as hell. Addiction is a [expletive]. All the best to Tony Romo as he works on himself. The only way to keep it is to give it away,” Gulino wrote.
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Podcast host Dave Sturchio also supported Romo, saying, “He’s all class, all the way. Takes courage to face things head on. If you have something slick to say, save it. This is real life and Tony owned up to it all. Second chances are a real thing. God bless you, 9.”
He’s all class, all the way. Takes courage to face things head on. If you have something slick to say, save it. This is real life and Tony owned up to it all. Second chances are a real thing. God bless you, 9. pic.twitter.com/r5CiwGlqIo
— Dave Sturchio (@DaveSturchio) September 1, 2026
Most of the replies were supportive of Romo’s struggles. However, a few weren’t as convinced by Romo’s explanation, with one fan taking issue with the statement.
“Took him 4 months to admit he was an alcoholic,” they wrote.
Took him 4 months to admit he was an alcoholic https://t.co/CJvywJ5AL3
— kenzo (@sheloveskenzo) September 1, 2026
“Blaming NFL injuries on DUI and open container. What a dork. For a grown man, Romo acts 16,” another fan posted.
Romo is currently on leave from CBS Sports, with his future looking uncertain, as former NFL star J.J. Watt is set to fill his spot on the network’s lead broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Romo did not provide a timetable for his return, but in his statement, he made it clear that he is hopeful that he’ll return to CBS after a break.
