Tony Romo. Image via: Getty Images
Tony Romo Addresses Personal Struggles Following OWI Plea
Tony Romo has publicly acknowledged his battle with alcohol following a no contest plea to a civil operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge in Wisconsin. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback revealed that years of coping with significant pain from multiple back surgeries contributed to his dependence on alcohol, which he linked to his use of pain medication.
In a candid post on Instagram, Romo took responsibility for his actions and emphasized the importance of recognizing the path that led him to this point. He stated, “As I have told 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’s statement shifted the focus from the legal implications of his case to his personal journey, marking a rare moment of vulnerability for a figure accustomed to life in the spotlight as a prominent NFL broadcaster.
CBS NFL Broadcast Team Update
Tony Romo has been on leave from CBS since July 31. During his absence, J.J. Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as part of the network’s lead NFL broadcast team.
Romo was stopped while driving southbound on Interstate 43 after reportedly being observed making an unsafe pass.
He also said he is working closely with a team of doctors to address his health. He performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests, according to the supplied records. Romo thanked his family, friends and members of the NFL community for supporting him during a difficult period. Body camera footage later showed Romo telling deputies he had been coming from a golf tournament and was heading to visit his grandparents. He finished tied for 73rd.
The arrest came after Romo had competed in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship earlier that day.