Jim Nantz, the prominent play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports, has commented on the July operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrest of Tony Romo, an incident that has prompted a change in Nantz’s broadcast partner for the upcoming NFL season.
Nantz and Romo have shared the broadcast booth since 2017, when the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback transitioned to a role as a lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, joining forces with the esteemed broadcaster.
During a media day event for “NFL on CBS” on Tuesday, Nantz was asked about Romo’s situation and whether he had received updates from CBS Sports regarding Romo’s status for the season.
“I really was just laying low,” Nantz stated. “I had golf events to do and I knew they had a lot to, you know, look at, sort out. But I made my mind up because we have this late flurry of golf events on the schedule. I was going to communicate with Tony, which we have, back and forth. …I just kind of wanted to focus on what’s in front of me, and that’s what I’ve done.”
Romo's Arrest and Network's Response
Romo was apprehended by deputies from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office after exhibiting signs of impairment while driving in Wisconsin, following his participation in a golf event. He subsequently faced charges for operating while intoxicated, reportedly after performing unsatisfactorily on field sobriety tests. Additional charges included possessing an open container of alcohol in his vehicle and unsafe passing.
At the same media day, the President of CBS Sports indicated that Romo’s situation is “evolving” and that the network is “still assessing” the matter.
“We have to consider the impact on our image and our brand,” the President explained. “That’s very important to us. The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any others. Fortunately, we have a deep bench and everybody is stepping up.”
In light of these developments, CBS Sports announced that former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt will join Nantz in the broadcast booth. Despite these professional changes, Nantz reiterated his strong personal friendship and unwavering support for Romo.
A Deep-Rooted Friendship Beyond the Booth
“Tony is a great friend of mine and has been for years,” Nantz affirmed. “He and I go back to 2011 when he got married, I was invited to his wedding. So, this was not someone in 2017 when he entered the booth I was just getting to know for the first time. So, he’s a great friend, continues to be, always will be. I adore his family, his wife (Candice Crawford) is awesome. They’re the ones that are on my mind right now. The contents of what we talked about, I’m just going to leave that private, and I think that’s the only way and the appropriate way for me to look at it.”
Contractual Implications and Future Uncertainty
Romo is currently in the midst of a substantial 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS as their primary NFL analyst, a deal he signed in 2020. Reports suggest he is still owed an estimated $72 million from this agreement.
Prior to his arrest, there had been speculation about Romo's long-term future with the network beyond the 2026 season, with some reports questioning whether he would remain the lead analyst. It is also notable that CBS is scheduled to broadcast the Super Bowl in 2028.
In recent seasons, discussions have emerged among critics regarding Romo’s preparation and perceived decline in chemistry with Nantz compared to earlier years.
It has been widely reported that Romo’s contract includes a standard morals clause, which CBS could potentially invoke to terminate his employment following the arrest. However, his legal team would almost certainly contest such an action, given the significant financial obligations remaining on his contract.
Romo’s court appearance has been scheduled for September 21, occurring eight days after the initial NFL broadcast featuring Nantz and Watt.
