Tony Romo and CBS Reach Settlement as Analyst Departs
Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo and CBS Sports have mutually ended their partnership, with a settlement likely to pay a large portion of the $72 million remaining on his contract.
Tony Romo’s nine-year stint as CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst concluded after the network and the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback reached a financial settlement. Romo had signed a 10-year, $180 million deal in 2020, leaving roughly four years and $72 million on the contract when the parties agreed to part ways.
CBS reportedly considered invoking a morals clause following Romo’s July arrest on an operating-while-intoxicated charge, but opted for a settlement to avoid a protracted legal dispute. Industry observers said the agreement, which did not go to court, will likely result in Romo receiving a substantial portion of the remaining salary.
Romo indicated in a September statement that he was dealing with personal health matters and hoped to return to the network, but insiders believed his tenure had effectively ended. J.J. Watt has taken over the lead NFL booth for CBS during Romo’s absence and continues in that role.
"CBS had the option to challenge the contract through a morals clause, but doing so could have led to a long and expensive legal battle," a NBC Sports spokesperson said.