Tony Romo: NFL Legend and CBS Analyst Arrested in Milwaukee on Suspicion of Driving Under Influence

NFL great-turned-CBS analyst Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee on Thursday. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to booking records obtained by the Daily Mail. Romo, 46, flashed a slight smirk as he looked into the camera for his mugshot after being booked by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

The NFL legend was pulled over at around 6 p.m. on a high-rise bridge while driving south on Interstate 43. The former quarterback, who reportedly earns $18 million a year as a CBS game analyst, struggled through several field sobriety tests before officers took him into custody and charged him.

Not Following the Rules

Romo was later released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. According to records, the incident marked his first offense for operating while intoxicated (OWI).

Under Wisconsin law, a first-offense OWI is typically handled as a civil violation rather than a criminal offense. In most cases, the penalty includes a fine ranging from $150 to $300, though additional consequences can vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

The 46-year-old spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys after joining the team as an undrafted free agent. He became the franchise’s starting quarterback in 2006 and remained in that role through the 2015 season, guiding Dallas to four playoff appearances during his tenure.

Romo proved himself as one of the league’s top passers and earned four Pro Bowl selections, but postseason success proved elusive. Despite several standout regular seasons, the Cowboys never advanced beyond the divisional round with him at quarterback, leaving the Super Bowl as the one major accomplishment that escaped his playing career.

His time as Dallas’ starter ended in 2016 after a preseason back injury opened the door for rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott impressed during Romo’s absence and kept the starting job, prompting the veteran quarterback to announce his retirement following the season.

All-New Career

Retirement marked the beginning of a successful second career in broadcasting. Romo quickly joined CBS Sports as its lead NFL color analyst, earning widespread praise for his ability to anticipate plays and break down the game for viewers. His broadcasting success has made him one of the highest-paid analysts in sports television.

Away from football, Romo has maintained a high profile. He previously dated singer Jessica Simpson from 2007 to 2009 before marrying Candice Crawford Romo, a former broadcast journalist and Miss Missouri. The couple has three children.

A Wisconsin native who grew up in Burlington, Romo was believed to be in the Milwaukee area this week to compete in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship. He has been a regular participant in the annual golf tournament, which was held at West Bend Country Club, roughly 37 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

Romo struggled throughout this year’s event, finishing tied for 73rd after posting a 35-over-par score across four rounds. The tournament ended with its final round on Thursday, only hours before his arrest.