‘CBS is making a royal mistake’: Sports media reacts to CBS parting ways with Tony Romo

NFL broadcaster and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo signed a massive 10-year, $180 million contract to feature in CBS’ lead NFL booth alongside Jim Nantz in 2020. However, after a promising start to his broadcasting career, Romo’s performance was widely viewed as a diminishing product as of late.

Things took a nasty turn earlier this year when the former quarterback was arrested for OWI after a golf tournament, an incident Romo has since taken full responsibility for.

Romo has since taken full accountability for his actions.

“This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely. Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant debilitating pain. The pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol,” Romo wrote on social media.

In the same post, he alluded to a return to his role at CBS, where he was placed on indefinite leave.

“I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, friends, and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know. As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and in time my return to CBS I kindly ask for privacy during this period.”

However, on Friday, Richard Deitsch reported that CBS would be parting ways with Romo and continuing to move forward with his replacement, J.J. Watt.

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

NEWS: Tony Romo and CBS Sports have parted ways. pic.twitter.com/TZfpoLmIr9

— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) October 2, 2026

“JJ Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on our lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season. All other teams remain the same, including Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn.”

After the news broke, Romo released a statement of his own.

“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.”

Figures across sports media had a wide range of reactions to the news.

“Farewell to Tony Romo, who was revolutionary until he was aggravating,” wrote The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis on X.

“CBS is making a royal mistake — in his prime, Tony Romo was the greatest to ever do it,” posted 93.7 The Fan’s Dom DiTommaso.

“CBS Sports really wanted out of that contract huh,” added Cowboys writer Tom Downey.

“This makes me sad. I guess this is an unpopular opinion, but I truly enjoyed Romo. Him and Nantz made games feel bigger,” added Fox Sports’ Mark Gunnels.

“Which media reporter is going to be the first to be leaked how much money Romo got to agree to go away since reportedly he had years left on his CBS deal?” wondered broadcaster Brian Webber.

“Tony Romo was a revelation upon joining the CBS booth back in 2017, and revolutionary in how TV voices get paid. His exit at CBS is bound to set off another game of thrones in NFL broadcast booths,” speculated Football Scoop’s Zach Barnett.

Deitsch followed up his initial report with the news that “Romo is contractually free to work elsewhere in NFL broadcasting if/when he decides to do so.” However, for the meantime, he appears to be focused on golf.