Tony Romo Pleads No Contest in OWI Case, Admits Alcohol Dependency

Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned CBS Sports color analyst, has pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated (OWI), according to court records in Wisconsin. A judge entered the plea and handed down penalties that include a six-month revocation of Romo’s driving privileges and the installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle registered to him.

The Wisconsin native will also be required to complete the Alcohol Assessment Program and pay $784 in court costs plus a $50 fine. If he fails to complete the program or pay the ordered fines, the court warned that he could lose his license for up to one year.

A ‘Personal Failure’

In an Instagram statement released after the plea, Romo described the arrest as a “personal failure” and candidly acknowledged his struggle with alcohol dependency. He explained that multiple back surgeries shortened his playing career and left him in constant pain, which led him to rely on pain medication. His efforts to stop taking those medications, he said, resulted in an over-reliance on alcohol.

“As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward,” Romo wrote. “That path requires honesty.”

He also said he is working with a “team of doctors” to address his health and expressed gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and the NFL community, including players, coaches, and owners. “Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know,” he added.

The Incident

Police in Milwaukee pulled Romo over on July 23 for an “unsafe passing” violation. Officers at the scene observed that the former quarterback appeared disoriented and detected the smell of alcohol on his breath. According to the police report, an open container was found in the passenger-side seat, and officers also discovered “a few shooters” in his backpack.

Romo was taken to the station for a sobriety test, which he did not perform well on, according to authorities. The arrest marked a sudden and sobering fall for a player who spent 14 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Cowboys, and who has become one of the most recognizable voices in football broadcasting.

Looking Ahead

In his statement, Romo emphasized his intention to make things right with his health and his family, and he voiced a desire to return to his role at CBS. “I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community,” he said, before underscoring his commitment to moving forward.

The case has drawn attention not only because of Romo’s celebrity but also because of his candid admission of dependency, which he framed as a necessary step in his recovery. Legal experts note that the no-contest plea allows him to accept the penalties without formally admitting guilt, but the judge’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the charge.

Romo’s next steps will likely involve completing the Alcohol Assessment Program and complying with the interlock device requirement, which is designed to prevent him from driving while impaired. If he meets all conditions, his license could be reinstated after the six-month revocation period.

For now, Romo remains focused on his health and his family, with his future in broadcasting still to be determined. The NFL community, which he thanked in his statement, has rallied around him in the aftermath of the arrest.

Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/09/01/tony-romo-pleads-no-contest-in-owi-case-courts-takes-away-driving-privileges-and-orders-interlock-device/