Tony Romo Arrested on Suspicion of OWI in Wisconsin

Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who is now the lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, was arrested in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). The news broke quickly across national and Wisconsin outlets, and fans are searching for every detail: what happened, where it happened, and what comes next for Romo both legally and professionally.

Contents

This article breaks down everything currently known about the Tony Romo arrest, based on official reports from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and reporting from ESPN, FOX6 Milwaukee, WTMJ, and Patch. We’ll cover the timeline, the charges, Romo’s Wisconsin roots, and what it could mean for his broadcasting career.

What Happened: Tony Romo Arrested in Milwaukee

According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Tony Romo was arrested for OWI, first offense, in Milwaukee on Thursday night, July 23. Deputies stopped Romo’s vehicle on the high-rise bridge while driving south on Interstate 43. Per the arrest detention report, he was taken into custody after performing poorly on standardized field sobriety tests.

The timeline of the arrest, according to sheriff’s office records, was as follows:

Around 6:15 p.m. Thursday, July 23: Romo was pulled over and arrested on I-43 southbound near the high-rise bridge.
Around 9:45 p.m. the same night: He was booked into the Milwaukee County Jail.

At this stage, several details remain unconfirmed. It is not publicly known what type of vehicle Romo was driving, whether anyone else was in the car with him, or whether his blood alcohol concentration was tested. As more records become available, those details may be added to the public case file.

Tony Romo OWI Charge: What “First Offense” Means

The charge Romo is facing is OWI, first offense, Wisconsin’s legal term for what many other states call a first-time DUI. In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is generally treated as a civil violation rather than a criminal charge, though penalties can still include fines, a license suspension, and mandatory alcohol assessment, depending on the case.

Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. Until that hearing, the specifics of any plea, fine, or license action remain undetermined. As is standard practice, an arrest on suspicion of OWI is not the same as a conviction, and Romo is presumed innocent unless and until a court determines otherwise.

Why Tony Romo Was in Milwaukee: The Wisconsin Amateur Championship

One of the more notable details in this story is the “why.” Romo wasn’t in Wisconsin for football or broadcasting; he was there for golf, and it’s personal territory for him.

Romo is a Burlington, Wisconsin native, and he was in the state to play in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship, held in West Bend from July 20-23. He tied for 73rd place in the tournament. The arrest happened later the same night the tournament concluded, as Romo was driving through Milwaukee.

Romo has long been known as one of the better golfers among former NFL players, regularly competing in celebrity and amateur tournaments, including the American Century Championship. The Wisconsin Amateur Championship appearance reflects both his competitive golf hobby and his continued ties to his home state.

Tony Romo’s Career: From Cowboys QB to CBS’s Top NFL Voice

To understand why this story is generating so much attention, it helps to look at who Tony Romo is today, not just a retired athlete, but one of the most recognizable voices in American sports broadcasting.

Tony Romo’s NFL Playing Career

Romo, now 46, retired from football in 2017 after a lengthy career as the Dallas Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Over the course of his playing career, Romo threw for 34,183 yards and 248 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more statistically productive quarterbacks of his era, even though he never made a Super Bowl appearance as a player.

Tony Romo’s Broadcasting Career at CBS

Romo joined CBS as a color commentator shortly after retiring from football. Since then, he and play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz have been the network’s top broadcast team, calling three Super Bowls together. Romo quickly became known for his ability to predict plays before the snap, a skill that turned him into one of the most talked-about analysts in the sport and helped redefine what fans expect from NFL color commentary.

That national profile is a big reason the arrest is making headlines well beyond Wisconsin. Romo isn’t just a former athlete; he’s a weekly presence in millions of households during football season.

How the Arrest Was First Reported

The story was first confirmed through official channels and quickly picked up by major sports and local news outlets. ESPN reported that CBS NFL analyst and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence, citing the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. Local Wisconsin outlets, including FOX11 and WTMJ, followed with additional details about the traffic stop and Romo’s ties to Burlington.

As of now, neither Romo nor CBS Sports has issued a public statement responding to the arrest. If a statement is released, this article will be a place readers can return to for the latest update.

What’s Next for Tony Romo

There are two separate tracks to watch going forward:

The legal process. Romo’s court date is set for September 21. Because this is a first-offense OWI in Wisconsin, the case will likely move through as a civil citation rather than a criminal proceeding, though the outcome will depend on the specifics presented in court.
The professional fallout, if any. CBS Sports has not commented publicly. Given Romo’s central role calling marquee NFL games with Jim Nantz, any network response , or lack of one , will likely be closely watched once the 2026 NFL season approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When was Tony Romo arrested?

Romo was arrested on Thursday night, July 23, at around 6:15 p.m., and booked into the Milwaukee County Jail around 9:45 p.m. the same night.

Q2. Where was Tony Romo arrested?

Romo was stopped and arrested in Milwaukee, on the high-rise bridge while driving south on Interstate 43.

Q3. What charge is Tony Romo facing?

He was arrested on suspicion of OWI, first offense , operating a vehicle while intoxicated , under Wisconsin law.

Q4. Why was Tony Romo in Wisconsin?

He was competing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament in West Bend, held July 20-23, and tied for 73rd. Romo is a Burlington, Wisconsin native.

Q5. When does Tony Romo go to court?

Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21.

Q6. Has Tony Romo or CBS commented on the arrest?

As of this writing, neither Romo nor CBS Sports has released a public statement. This article will be updated if that changes.

Final Thoughts and What to Watch For

Tony Romo’s arrest on suspicion of OWI in Milwaukee is still an unfolding story. What’s confirmed so far comes directly from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office: a traffic stop on I-43, a booking that night, and a September court date. What isn’t yet known- details like blood alcohol results or any statement from Romo himself- will likely emerge as the case moves forward.

For now, the story sits at the intersection of Romo’s two identities: a Wisconsin native who came home to play in a local golf tournament, and one of the most recognizable broadcasters in American sports. Readers following the story should watch for official updates from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and any statement from CBS Sports as the September 21 court date approaches.

Sources & References

Editorial Note

This article is based on official arrest records from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and reporting from ESPN, FOX6, FOX11, Patch, and WTMJ, current as of July 26, 2026. An arrest is not a conviction; Romo is presumed innocent unless and until a court determines otherwise. This story may be updated as new information, statements, or court outcomes become available.