Former NFL quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo was arrested Thursday evening in Milwaukee after authorities stopped him on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI).
According to booking records, the 46-year-old was taken into custody by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office after deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 43.
Romo was later released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 21.
Arrest Followed Failed Sobriety Tests
Authorities pulled Romo over at approximately 6 p.m. while he was driving southbound across a high-rise bridge on I-43.
Reports indicate that officers administered several field sobriety tests during the stop, which Romo allegedly did not successfully complete before being arrested.
His booking photo, released after he was processed, showed the former quarterback looking directly into the camera with a noticeable smile.
First Offense Carries Civil Penalties
The incident marks Romo’s first recorded OWI offense.
Under Wisconsin law, a first offense for operating while intoxicated is generally treated as a civil violation rather than a criminal charge.
If found responsible, the offense typically results in financial penalties ranging between $150 and $300, along with other possible administrative consequences.
A Standout NFL Career with Dallas
Romo spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as the franchise’s starting quarterback for nearly a decade.
Between 2006 and 2015, he guided Dallas to four playoff appearances and earned four Pro Bowl selections.
Despite his regular-season success, postseason glory proved elusive.
Romo and the Cowboys never advanced beyond the divisional round of the playoffs during his tenure.
His playing career came to an end after the 2016 season when rookie quarterback Dak Prescott claimed the starting role, prompting Romo to announce his retirement.
Broadcasting Success After Retirement
Following his departure from the NFL, Romo quickly transitioned into television, joining CBS Sports as the network’s lead NFL game analyst.
His work in the broadcast booth has made him one of the highest-paid sports commentators in television, with an annual salary reported at $18 million.
Away from football, Romo is married to former Miss Missouri and ex-broadcast journalist Candice Crawford Romo. The couple has three children together.
Before his marriage, Romo was widely known for his relationship with singer Jessica Simpson between 2007 and 2009.
Golf Tournament Brought Romo Back Home
A Wisconsin native raised in Burlington, Romo had been competing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship at West Bend Country Club in the days leading up to his arrest.
The four-round tournament concluded Thursday, only hours before the traffic stop.
Romo struggled throughout the competition, finishing tied for 73rd after posting a cumulative score of 35-over par.
Investigators have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and further proceedings are expected when Romo appears in court later this year.
