Tony Romo arrested for first-offense OWI in Milwaukee

Tony Romo arrested for first-offense OWI in Milwaukee

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee on Thursday for operating while under the influence (OWI), first offense.

The arrest occurred shortly after Romo had been interviewed by TMJ4 Sports Director Karley Marotta. According to records from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office obtained by TMJ4, the Burlington native was stopped while traveling southbound on I-43 just south of the Marquette Interchange. Reports on the exact timing of the stop vary; records obtained by The Independent place the stop shortly after 6 p.m., while a report from ABC’s WISN stated Romo was stopped around 8 p.m.

Law enforcement officials stated that Romo performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests before being taken into custody. He was booked and subsequently released around 11 p.m. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office indicated that the incident remains under investigation and noted that further statements could be released on Friday, though additional details regarding the circumstances of the arrest have not been disclosed.

In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is generally classified as a civil offense rather than a criminal charge. Such offenses are typically punishable by a fine ranging from $150 to $300.

Romo was visiting his home state this week to participate in the Wisconsin State Amateur golf tournament at West Bend Country Club, an event he has entered since 2018. He finished Thursday tied for 74th place. During a Thursday interview from the golf course with TMJ4 News, Romo discussed the challenge of the tournament, stating:

"I’m competitive in both, I’m just better at football. It’s the challenge of it. It’s as tough as you're gonna play."

Tony Romo, via TMJ4 News

The broadcaster was also seen on Wednesday giving golf pointers to a young fan, according to images shared on social media by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski.

Romo’s professional history includes a 14-year NFL career spent entirely with the Dallas Cowboys. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2003, he became the starting quarterback in 2006 and retired in 2017 as the franchise leader in touchdown passes and passing yards. A four-time Pro Bowler, he transitioned into broadcasting with CBS, where he signed a 10-year, $180 million contract.

Before his NFL tenure, Romo attended Burlington High School in Wisconsin, where he played golf, basketball, and football. He later starred at Eastern Illinois University and won the 2002 Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in Division I-AA football.

Romo and his wife, Candice, reside in North Dallas, Texas, with their three sons: 14-year-old Hawkins, 12-year-old Rivers, and 8-year-old Jones.

TMJ4 reached out to Romo for comment following the arrest but did not receive a response.

A court date has been set for Monday, Sept. 21, at 8:30 a.m. Because the NFL season will already be underway by that time, there are questions regarding his availability as a broadcaster, although reports suggest it is unlikely the date will affect his duties.