CBS executives will not fire Tony Romo following his arrest last week.
The NFL analyst, who is paid $18 million per year as half of the network’s top broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz, was arrested in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI).
He was pictured smiling in a mug shot after being pulled over around 6pm local time in Wisconsin last Thursday.
Romo was released later that night, and has been ordered to appear in court on 21 September.
CBS makes decision over Tony Romo future
Following his arrest, he has faced calls from fans to step down from his role, and while CBS refused to comment on the incident, the Daily Mail reports that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback will keep his job.
Sources told the outlet that Romo ‘knows he made a terrible decision and has disappointed his colleagues and family.’
The report added that the network ‘will not be firing Romo from its biggest NFL games before the new season, despite already facing calls to axe him over his bizarre performances in the booth last year.’
However, the ex-NFL star could decide to ‘step back a little’ in the short term.
One source told the Mail: “He might step back a little, short term, but he isn’t going anywhere long term.
“That wouldn’t make any sense for us at all.”
Tony Romo to ‘keep a low profile’ ahead of new NFL season
Meanwhile, a CBS executive said: “I don’t want to act like it’s not a big deal, because it is. But it’s not going to get him fired.”
Another insider suggested that Romo will be keeping a low profile ahead of the 2026 season.
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In a previously released schedule, the Minnesota Vikings vs the Green Bay Packers was named as CBS’ featured game for Week 1 on Sunday, September 13.
Romo will likely call that alongside Nantz at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
“Thankfully, Tony didn’t hurt himself or anyone else, and most importantly, no lives were lost. He knows he made a terrible decision and is well aware of it and he knows he disappointed not only himself, but those he works with and family,” the insider told the Mail.
“He contacted his bosses almost immediately to let them know what had happened because he understood the story would spread quickly once it became public.
“He’s already canceled his appearance at the golf tournament he was scheduled to attend and play in, and over the next few weeks he’s looking to keep a low profile while focusing on getting himself ready for the upcoming season.
“In the meantime, he’ll deal with the legal process, comply with whatever the court decides, and let his attorneys handle the situation as they work toward resolving the matter. His goal is to put this behind him as quickly as possible.
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“As for his job, he won’t be fired. While the incident is unquestionably serious, those around him view it as an isolated lapse in judgment rather than something that defines him.”
Despite plenty of fan backlash against Romo’s color commentary, and even some calls to see him replaced by Greg Olsen, the insider insisted he remains a popular figure at CBS, and the arrest won’t change that.
“Tony is well-liked with his colleagues and bosses, and the belief is that he’ll face the consequences from the courts but ultimately will move on from whatever punishment comes about,” they added.
“If something like this were to happen again, suspensions or even termination would certainly be on the table.
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“For now, though, the expectation is that he should stay out of the spotlight; the season will begin, and he’ll be able to move forward from the incident without any lasting impact on his career.”
