Tony Romo pleads no contest to OWI charge and says he will return to CBS

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo pleaded no contest to an operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge in Wisconsin, according to a statement he posted on Instagram on Tuesday. Romo said the incident was linked to an over-reliance on alcohol that developed while he was trying to wean himself off pain medication prescribed after multiple back surgeries.

In the Instagram post, Romo reflected on his football career and his role at CBS, noting that he intends to return to the network "in time" after focusing on his health and family. He asked for privacy while he works with doctors to address his condition.

"This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely," Romo wrote.

CBS placed Romo on leave eight days after his arrest and has promoted former NFL player J.J. Watt to his spot on the top NFL broadcast team. It remains unclear whether the network has confirmed Romo's eventual return.

Romo expressed gratitude for support from his family, friends and members of the NFL community, and emphasized his commitment to taking responsibility for his actions.