Nantz Stands By Romo Amid OWI Arrest, Says Friendship Will Endure

Jim Nantz, CBS Sports’ lead play-by-play broadcaster, has publicly addressed Tony Romo’s July arrest on operating while intoxicated charges, which prompted the network to reassign broadcast partners for the upcoming NFL season. Nantz and Romo had worked together since Romo signed his landmark 10-year contract with CBS in 2020 to serve as the network’s premier NFL analyst.

Speaking at NFL on CBS Media Day on Tuesday, Nantz explained his approach to the situation, saying he deliberately maintained a low profile while CBS evaluated the matter. He noted that he had maintained contact with Romo following the arrest but preferred to concentrate on his immediate responsibilities, including scheduled golf events.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Romo after observing signs of impairment during a traffic stop in Wisconsin as he drove home from a golf tournament. Authorities charged him with operating while intoxicated, maintaining an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, and unsafe passing after he allegedly failed field sobriety tests.

CBS Sports President emphasized that the network’s assessment of Romo’s future remains ongoing and that brand reputation factored into their decision-making process. The network subsequently announced that former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt would assume Romo’s broadcasting position alongside Nantz for the upcoming season.

Despite the professional separation, Nantz stressed the depth of his personal connection to Romo, recounting that their relationship extended back more than a decade to 2011 when he attended Romo’s wedding. Nantz expressed admiration for Romo’s wife, Candace Crawford, and pledged his continued support while declining to disclose private conversations between the two men.

Romo remains under contract with CBS through a 10-year, $180 million agreement signed in 2020, with approximately $72 million in remaining compensation. The contract includes a standard morals clause that CBS could invoke to terminate Romo, though legal experts anticipate his representatives would vigorously contest any such action given the substantial financial obligations.

Romo’s court date is scheduled for September 21, occurring eight days after CBS broadcasts its first NFL game pairing Nantz with Watt. Reports from late July suggested doubts existed within CBS about retaining Romo as lead analyst beyond the 2026 season, independent of the arrest circumstances.