Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested Thursday night in Milwaukee County on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, according to multiple reports citing Wisconsin law enforcement records. The incident quickly became one of the biggest sports stories of the day as it marks the first publicly reported arrest of Romo’s career.
According to local reports, Romo was pulled over at approximately 8 p.m. while driving southbound on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee. Authorities alleged that the former NFL star did not successfully complete standard field sobriety tests administered by officers at the scene. He was taken into custody and booked before being released later that same evening.
As of Friday afternoon, additional details surrounding the traffic stop, including whether a chemical breath or blood test was administered, had not been released publicly. Romo’s representatives had not issued a public statement, and no further information regarding the circumstances leading up to the stop has been disclosed. The case remains in its early stages.
Under Wisconsin law, a first-offense operating while intoxicated violation is generally treated as a civil offense rather than a criminal misdemeanor, provided there are no aggravating circumstances such as injuries or prior offenses. Typical penalties can include monetary fines, license-related consequences, and mandatory alcohol assessment requirements.
Romo, 46, spent his entire 14-season NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys after joining the franchise as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He retired following the 2016 season and immediately transitioned into broadcasting. During his playing career, he threw for more than 34,000 passing yards and 248 touchdowns while earning four Pro Bowl selections.
Romo quickly earned praise as CBS Sports’ lead NFL game analyst alongside Jim Nantz for his ability to predict offensive plays before the snap. Although he never reached a Super Bowl, he remains one of the most productive quarterbacks in Cowboys franchise history and continues to be a prominent figure during the NFL season through his work on CBS broadcasts.