Tony Romo Issued 3 New Citations Including OWI Following July 23 Arrest

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was issued three new citations on Thursday, including first offense OWI, stemming from a July traffic stop in Wisconsin.

Tony Romo was issued three new citations on Thursday, August 27, 2026, including first offense OWI, possessing open intoxicants, and unsafe passing on the right. These legal developments stem from a July 23 traffic stop in Wisconsin conducted by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. The 46-year-old former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was initially taken into custody after passing vehicles in a gore area, a zone designed to separate interstate traffic from on-ramp entry lanes. Following the stop, Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was booked on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Key details

Court records in Wisconsin indicate that Romo was originally cited for refusing to submit to an intoxication test following his arrest. The former NFL star, who earned four Pro Bowl selections during a career spanning from 2004 to 2016, is now scheduled for a court appearance on September 21. A spokesperson for Romo confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and TMZ that the athlete takes full responsibility for his actions regarding what they described as an isolated civil matter. The legal filing marks a transition from the initial booking to formal charges within the state's judicial system.

CBS Sports, where Romo has served as the lead game analyst since 2017, previously placed the broadcaster on leave. David Berson, the president of CBS Sports, stated earlier this month that the network is still assessing Romo's future, characterizing the situation as evolving. The spokesperson for the former quarterback noted on Thursday that both parties are currently discussing next steps as they work with local authorities to resolve the legal proceedings. This internal review by the network follows a high-profile broadcasting tenure that began immediately after his retirement from professional football.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office observed Romo's vehicle maneuvering through a gore area before initiating the July 23 stop. After being released from custody following the initial booking, the legal process transitioned to the three specific citations filed this Thursday. Romo's representatives emphasized that they are taking proactive steps to ensure the matter is properly closed. The specific location of the incident involved lanes designated for merging traffic, where the alleged unsafe passing occurred prior to the deputy's intervention.

Latest developments

During his 13-season tenure in the NFL, Romo played exclusively for the Dallas Cowboys. His professional career concluded in 2016, leading immediately to his role in the broadcast booth. The current legal challenges represent a significant development for the analyst, whose spokesperson reiterated that he is cooperating with authorities to bring the Wisconsin matter to a conclusion. The September 21 court date will serve as the next formal step in the judicial process for the three newly issued citations. Throughout his time in Dallas, he became the franchise leader in passing yards and touchdowns, records he held upon entering the media industry.

The OWI citation is classified as a first offense under Wisconsin law, which typically carries different penalties than subsequent violations. Open intoxicant charges suggest the presence of unsealed alcohol containers within the vehicle at the time of the Milwaukee County stop. The third citation, unsafe passing on the right, relates directly to the movement through the gore area observed by law enforcement. These three distinct entries now appear on the public court docket ahead of the autumn hearing.

Legal counsel for the retired athlete has indicated that the defense will focus on the civil nature of these specific Wisconsin statutes. While the initial arrest drew significant media attention in July, the formalization of these three charges provides a clearer picture of the prosecution's direction. The refusal to submit to testing, which was the primary initial citation, remains a factor in the broader legal context of the case. As the September 21 date approaches, the focus remains on the resolution of these specific traffic and safety violations in Milwaukee.