Former Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo Arrested on Suspicion of OWI in Milwaukee

Former Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo Arrested on Suspicion of OWI in Milwaukee

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated following a traffic stop on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, Romo was driving southbound on Interstate 43 at approximately 6:18 p.m. when a deputy reportedly saw him pass other vehicles through a restricted gore area-the triangular section of roadway separating traffic lanes from an entrance or exit ramp. Romo was also cited for unsafe passing on the right.

During the stop, deputies reported noticing several possible signs of impairment, including red and glassy eyes and the smell of alcohol. Authorities said Romo performed poorly during standardized field sobriety tests. Recently released body-camera footage reportedly shows Romo appearing confused when the deputy explained the gore-area violation.

Authorities also said an open bottle of alcohol was discovered on the passenger side of Romo's vehicle. Romo was cited for allegedly having an open intoxicant in the vehicle and for refusing a chemical test following the traffic stop.

According to reports, Romo initially attempted to contact his attorney and briefly hesitated when asked to step out of the vehicle. A deputy called for additional assistance, but Romo eventually complied with the officers' instructions. No physical confrontation was reported.

Romo was taken into custody at approximately 6:18 p.m., booked into the Milwaukee County Jail later that evening and released at around 11 p.m.

Authorities issued Romo citations reportedly totaling more than $1,500, including approximately $1,066 for the suspected first-offense OWI, $267 for the alleged open container and $235 for unsafe passing on the right. The exact penalties could change as the case moves through the court system.

Romo reportedly told the deputy that he was coming from a golf course and planned to visit his grandparents. Earlier that day, the 46-year-old Wisconsin native had competed in the final round of the 125th Wisconsin State Amateur Championship. He reportedly finished tied for 73rd place with a four-round score of 315.

The incident is being treated as Romo's suspected first OWI offense. Under Wisconsin law, a standard first-offense OWI is generally handled as a civil violation rather than a criminal charge, although it can still result in fines, a driver's-license suspension and other penalties.

Romo is scheduled to make a court appearance on September 21, 2026. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and no final determination regarding impairment has been announced.

Romo spent his entire NFL playing career with the Dallas Cowboys after joining the organization as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He became the team's starting quarterback in 2006, earned four Pro Bowl selections and finished his career with a 78-49 record as a starter. He retired from professional football following the 2016 season and joined CBS in 2017 as the network's lead NFL game analyst.

CBS Sports initially declined to publicly comment on Romo's arrest. As of the latest reporting, he continues to hold his broadcasting position while the case proceeds through the legal system.

The arrest has drawn significant attention because of Romo's high-profile broadcasting role and his long association with the Cowboys. However, the case remains unresolved, and Romo is presumed innocent of the allegations unless liability is established through the legal process.