CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways, ending the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s nine-year run as the network’s top NFL game analyst.
Romo’s exit comes after he pleaded no contest to a civil offense after operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin. Following the plea, Romo said chronic pain from multiple back surgeries contributed to his dependence on pain medication and eventual over-reliance on alcohol.
“We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward,” CBS said in a statement. “J.J. Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on the network’s lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season.”
Romo also released a statement, saying he was proud of his work at CBS and approached his role “with a desire to win and be the best that I can be.” He said he plans to take a break to focus on his health and family before pursuing his next opportunity.
“I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity,” he said. “I’m grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans,” he said.
The 46-year-old said his football career ended earlier than he expected after the surgeries left him with “constant, debilitating pain.”
“That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol,” he wrote.
“I own this completely,” Romo added. “None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”
“The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant,” Romo said in September. “It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully—to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.”
.png)
.png)
