Tony Romo pleads no contest to drunk driving, opens up on booze problem

Former Dallas Cowboys QB and CBS broadcaster says medical procedures led to addiction

Published Sep 01, 2026  •  2 minute read

CBS broadcaster Tony Romo Photo by Getty Images

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Former Dallas Cowboy and CBS broadcaster Tony Romo has pleaded no contest to an operating while intoxicated charge (OWI) and has released a statement about his drinking problem.

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Romo, 46, said in a statement Tuesday that years of procedures he underwent as a quarterback for the Cowboys caused him a lot of pain, which led to a substance abuse issue that led to him going to jail last month.

“Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain,” Romo wrote on Instagram. “That pain led to a dependance on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.”

Romo was arrested on July 23 after Wisconsin authorities said he was driving drunk after leaving a golf course. He was charged with OWI, possessing open intoxicants in a moving vehicle, unsafe passing on right and refusing to take test for intoxication.

Plea deal

Romo reached a deal with prosecutors on Tuesday, according to court documents. For pleading no contest to OWI, he’s lost driving privileges for the next six months, was ordered to pay a $784 fine and must have an ignition interlock device installed on his vehicles for the next year. The other three charges were dismissed.

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Romo’s been on leave from CBS since the incident, but mentioned the plea in his statement, saying, “I own this completely.”

“As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility,” Romo said. “That is an important first step.”

Asking for privacy, Romo said he’s working to kick his alcohol addiction.

“I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know. 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.”

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