Tony Romo has spent years analyzing NFL games from the broadcast booth after building a celebrated career as the Dallas Cowboys’ franchise quarterback. Now, however, the former NFL star is making headlines for an entirely different reason.
The 46-year-old former quarterback and current lead CBS NFL analyst was arrested on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, on suspicion of first-offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Wisconsin’s legal term for what is commonly referred to as a DUI or DWI in other states. The incident came just hours after Romo wrapped up a golf tournament appearance in his home state.
While the arrest has attracted widespread attention, it is important to note that the case remains at the arrest stage. No conviction has occurred, formal charges had not yet been filed when the initial reports emerged, and Romo is scheduled to make his first court appearance later this year.
Other public figures have faced their own DWI-related legal proceedings in recent years, including one that’s now tied up in a separate lawsuit. To know more, read our article Justin Timberlake DWI Arrest in Sag Harbor: Inside the 2024 Hamptons Incident and His 2026 Lawsuit to Block Bodycam Footage.
Tony Romo’s Wisconsin OWI arrest: Timeline reveals what happened after his golf tournament appearance
Earlier on July 23, Romo was competing in the 125th Wisconsin Amateur Championship at West Bend Country Club, where he completed the tournament tied for 73rd with a +35 score. Before leaving the event, he also spoke with TMJ4 Sports Director Karley Marotta in an interview.
Later that evening, events unfolded rapidly.
According to official reports, a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Romo at approximately 6:15–6:18 p.m. CT while he was driving southbound on Interstate 43, just south of the Marquette Interchange on the high-rise bridge near downtown Milwaukee.
Deputies administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) during the stop. Reports state that Romo performed poorly on those tests, providing probable cause for deputies to take him into custody on suspicion of first-offense OWI.
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Authorities have not publicly disclosed several key details surrounding the traffic stop. The exact reason for the initial stop has not been released, and officials have not revealed the type of vehicle Romo was driving, whether anyone else was in the vehicle, whether a preliminary breath test or chemical blood or breath test was administered, or any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results.
Official timeline of events
| Time (CT) | Event |
| Earlier July 23 | Romo competed in the final round of the 125th Wisconsin Amateur Championship at West Bend Country Club, finishing tied for 73rd (+35). |
| Earlier July 23 | Gave an interview to TMJ4 Sports Director Karley Marotta. |
| Around 6:15–6:18 p.m. | Traffic stop on Interstate 43 southbound near the Marquette Interchange/high-rise bridge in Milwaukee. |
| Shortly after stop | Deputies administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). |
| Following SFSTs | Romo was taken into custody on suspicion of first-offense OWI after reportedly performing poorly on the tests. |
| Around 9:45–10:00 p.m. | Booked into the Milwaukee County Jail. |
| Around 11:00–11:01 p.m. | Released from custody the same night. |
| September 21, 2026 | Scheduled court appearance at 8:30 a.m. CT. |
The sequence follows Wisconsin’s standard OWI enforcement process: a traffic stop, administration of standardized field sobriety tests, establishment of probable cause based on performance during those tests, followed by transport, booking and release.
Officials have also confirmed there were no reports of a crash, injuries, a minor passenger, or any other aggravating factors that would elevate the matter beyond a standard first-offense OWI investigation.
CBS Sports either declined to comment or did not immediately respond following reports of Romo’s arrest.
Other athletes have also found themselves facing arrest over serious federal allegations unrelated to substance use. Take a look at our coverage: Kerr Kriisa Arrested by FBI: Former West Virginia and Kentucky Basketball Guard Held in Federal Fraud Investigation Ahead of Extradition.
What a first-offense OWI means in Wisconsin and what legal consequences Tony Romo could face
Unlike many other states, Wisconsin generally treats a first-offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) as a civil forfeiture or traffic violation, rather than a criminal misdemeanor, unless aggravating circumstances exist. Those aggravating factors can include situations involving a passenger under 16 years old, injuries, or certain high blood alcohol concentration levels.
As a result, a standard first-offense OWI typically does not create a criminal record in the traditional sense.
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If convicted of a standard first-offense OWI, the penalties commonly include:
| Possible penalty | Official details |
| Fine | $150–$300 |
| OWI surcharge | $435 |
| Additional court costs | Often increase the total financial cost to approximately $700–$1,500+ |
| Driver’s licence revocation | 6–9 months |
| Alcohol assessment | Mandatory Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment (AODA) |
| Occupational licence | May be available with associated fees for essential driving needs |
| Insurance | Higher insurance premiums and possible SR-22 filing requirements |
| Ignition Interlock Device (IID) | May be ordered if BAC meets certain thresholds, commonly referenced around 0.15% or higher, depending on test results and court order |
Wisconsin law does not require mandatory jail time for a standard first-offense OWI without aggravating factors.
The court process generally includes appearances on the citation, possible plea negotiations, required alcohol assessment and any sanctions imposed if the citation is upheld or not successfully challenged.
Romo’s next scheduled appearance is set for September 21, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. CT. Any eventual outcome will depend on factors including whether chemical test results exist, whether Romo contests the allegation, negotiations during the legal process, and the court’s findings.
Missed court dates have also led to arrest orders for people connected to prominent public figures. Find out more in our piece Bill Belichick’s Daughter-in-Law Faces Arrest Order After Missing Court Over Speeding Citation.
The arrest also appears to mark Romo’s first publicly reported OWI-related incident.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback remains one of the franchise’s most accomplished players, retiring after the 2016 NFL season as the team’s career leader with 248 touchdown passes before transitioning to broadcasting as CBS’s lead NFL analyst alongside Jim Nantz. A Burlington High School graduate, Romo had returned to Wisconsin this week to compete in the state’s prestigious amateur golf championship before the events on Interstate 43 unfolded.
Legal troubles involving other former child and teen stars have also unfolded publicly in recent months. Get the details in our article Former Disney Channel Actor Matthew Prokop Arrested for Bond Violation: Full Timeline of Charges, Legal Troubles, and Background.
Disclaimer: This article is based on thorough research using publicly available reports from ESPN, FOX6 Milwaukee, USA TODAY and The Athletic/New York Times. The information reflects the status of the case as reported on July 24–25, 2026. At the time of writing, the matter remains at the arrest and suspicion stage, no conviction has occurred, and formal court proceedings are pending.
Sources:
Image Credit:
- Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office
- By MC2 Elisia V. Gonzales, USN, Public Domain
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