Tony Romo’s future with CBS is still very much up in the air.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has served as the network’s leading NFL analyst, alongside Jim Nantz, since 2017.
But back in July, Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI).
Although he was released later that night, he has been order to appear in court on September 21, where, if found guilty, he could have his driver’s license suspended and be subject to paying a fine.
His future with the network still has yet to be confirmed.
CBS held its NFL Media Day in Manhattan on Tuesday, and, as expected, Romo was not present after being put on leave.
However, much of the discourse was centered around him and his future, with CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson making a statement.
“I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter, and a legal one for Tony. So I can’t speak to that aspect,” Berson said at the press conference.
“But I can say this is an evolving situation. Therefore, we’re still assessing. There’s no timetable or final decision at this time.
“Since it continues to evolve, and we’re on the eve of the season, I felt it was very important that our team, the many, many people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan.
“In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us,” he continued.
“Whether the games, marketing, PR, social, the focus should be — and needs to be — on our presentation and this great product and not on any other factors.
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“Fortunately, we have a very deep bench. I’m very proud of the way everybody is stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. [Watt] will join Jim [Nantz] and Tracy [Wolfson] as the lead team in Tony’s absence. They are already knee-deep in planning. I have every confidence they’ll be great.”
Berson later admitted that he has held a private conversation with Romo, though chose not to disclose any of what was discussed.
Who could replace Romo, should CBS decide to move on?
Romo penned a ten-year extension with CBS back in 2020, that is estimated to pay him roughly $17million annually.
While fans often held him in high regard to begin his broadcasting career, over recent seasons there has been more of negative shift, with some even calling for his job.
Should Romo lose his job, there is speculation building over who could be named as his long-term replacement, with No. 2 NFL analyst J.J. Watt having been elevated to the lead crew in the interim.
Some have suggested that four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers could emerge as a candidate as he will be retiring from football at the end of the 2026 season.
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However, he has so far remained adamant that he doesn’t want to pursue a career in the media, and instead would prefer to ride off into the sunset and out of the public eye.
But Tom Brady said the same thing, and he’s now FOX Sports’ highest earner as their lead color commentator, on a ten-year, $375m deal.
Other options include Greg Olsen, who was demoted by FOX when Brady came along.
The former NFL tight end’s media career stock has continued to rise following his Sports Emmy award win for Outstanding Personality/Event Analyst, with his contract with FOX reported to expire following the 2026 campaign.
