Tony Romo and CBS part ways but history suggests former NFL QB will add to his career comeback mark

Tony Romo and CBS Sports have mutually agreed to part ways, which was expected following the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s OWI arrest and plea deal in July and September.

But history suggests Romo will eventually be able to do in the broadcast booth what he did 25 times with the Cowboys: author a comeback.

That assumes he wants to do that, which seems likely.

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First the news announced by both CBS Sports and Romo in separate statements:

“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” CBS said in a statement on Friday. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.

“J.J. Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on our lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season.”

CBS analyst J.J. Watt stands on the field before Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on Feb. 11, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

Said Romo in his own statement:

“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life – with a desire to win and be the best that I can be.

“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. I am 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.”

This needs some context. Romo and CBS negotiated this separation and a source said there was an agreement that includes payments to Romo. The source declined to be specific on the amount that Romo will receive.

CBS Sports play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz (left), analyst Tony Romo (center) and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson at press conference at the Super Bowl LVIII Media Center at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Feb. 6, 2024. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

Romo signed a 10-year contract in 2020 worth a reported $180 million. He had four years, including this one, remaining on the deal. The remaining portion of that was worth approximately $70-$75 million.

So Romo’s Wisconsin intoxication folly almost definitely cost him a lot of money. But the obvious misstep doesn’t need to be thought of as a permanent misstep, if Romo indeed gets himself sorted and wants to return to an NFL analyst chair.

He is unquestionably better than the lower-tier game and pregame analysts currently employed by the networks and streaming services. He’s also a bigger name who, oddly, gains more attention because of his arrest.

So, it is quite possible that after some time away, Romo will be able to return in one of those roles. And there is precedent for such a return because Romo is not the first flawed NFL analyst who faced legal troubles and worked again.

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• Charles Barkley pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charges in February 2009. He took a short leave from TNT, apologized publicly, but eventually returned to “Inside the NBA.”
• Al Michaels was arrested on suspicion of DUI in 2013. He struck a plea deal with prosecutors, pleading no contest to the lesser charge of reckless driving. Michaels was not taken off the Sunday Night Football broadcast as a result.
• Marv Albert (remember him?) pleaded guilty in 1997 to misdemeanor assault and battery after sexual-assault allegations. NBC fired him but rehired him less than two years later.

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The point is sports television is generally forgiving because the audience is likewise forgiving.

Romo, 46, is currently without driving privileges, which were revoked for six months, he must complete an alcohol-assessment program, install an ignition-interlock device, and he’s already paid court costs and fees.

Eventually, TV may be comfortable with believing he has also paid the debt for his crime and welcome him back.

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