It was supposed to be a low-key return to his home state. Tony Romo, the beloved former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, was back in Wisconsin for a golf tournament. But things took a sharp detour Thursday evening when he was arrested in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The update rippled through the sports world like a wildfire. Romo isn’t just any former player. He is a four-time Pro Bowler who played 13 years in the NFL and is currently the lead game analyst for CBS, one of the most recognizable voices in football broadcasting.
As of now, authorities haven’t released any blood alcohol or breath test results. Romo and his representatives have also remained silent. The case will move forward with the September court date, and more details could emerge as the legal process unfolds. For now, fans and the NFL world are left waiting to see how this plays out for one of the game’s most popular figures.
But what actually happened with Romo was that, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, he was pulled over around 6 p.m. on Interstate 43, just south of the Marquette Interchange. The arrest report says he performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests. He was taken into custody, booked, and later released that same night.
Officials noted that he was cooperative throughout the encounter.
In Wisconsin, they don’t call it a DUI. They use the term OWI, which stands for operating while intoxicated. It is essentially the same thing as what other states refer to as driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. For a first-time offense, the financial hit is no joke. The base fine runs anywhere from 150 to 300 dollars, but that is just the start. On top of that, you have to add a 435 dollar OWI surcharge, which really bumps up the total.
Now comes the legal part. Romo has been ordered to appear in court on September 21.
Local reports suggest this is his first offense related to driving while intoxicated. Under Wisconsin law, a first OWI is treated as a civil violation, not a criminal charge. That means if he is found responsible, the penalties would likely include a driver’s license suspension and a fine, which typically ranges from 150 to 300 dollars.
His court appearance, interestingly, is not mandatory, so he may not even have to show up in person.
CBS has stayed quiet on the matter. The network hasn’t issued any public statement regarding Romo’s arrest. It’s a delicate situation for them, given that Romo has been their lead analyst since 2017 and has become a fan favorite for his energetic and insightful commentary.
Romo’s legacy on the field is rock solid. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Cowboys after joining as an undrafted free agent in 2003 and threw 248 touchdown passes, which still stands as the franchise record. Romo also held the team mark for passing yards until Dak Prescott surpassed him just last season. He helped lead Dallas to multiple playoff runs and earned four Pro Bowl nods along the way.
But this story hits especially close to home for Wisconsin. Romo grew up in Burlington, a small city about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee. He was a standout athlete at Burlington High School, earning all-state honors in football, basketball, and golf.