Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has acknowledged a serious lapse in judgment, pleading no contest to a civil charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, and publicly accepting responsibility for his actions.
According to Western Journal, Romo entered the plea after a July 23 arrest in which he refused a breathalyzer test, an incident that swiftly led to his suspension from his high-profile broadcasting role with CBS Sports. The plea carries significant consequences: Romos drivers license has been revoked for six months, and he is required to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he operates for at least one year, as reported by WMTV.
In a statement released Tuesday, Romo acknowledged that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of a public figure and a former NFL star. This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me, Romo said, framing the episode as a test of character rather than an excuse for self-pity.
He made clear that he was not contesting the facts of the case or attempting to shift blame. This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely, he said, underscoring a theme of personal accountability that stands in contrast to the deflection often seen from celebrities in similar situations.
Romo also spoke candidly about the physical toll of his NFL career, noting that years of punishment under center for the Cowboys did not end when he left the field. Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain, he said, describing a reality many professional athletes face once the cheering stops and the medical bills and chronic pain remain.
That pain, he admitted, first led him down a path of dependence on prescription medication, a problem that has plagued countless former players in an era of aggressive pain management and high-stakes competition. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol, Romo said, drawing a straight line from his injuries to his current struggle.
Romo refused to use that history as a shield from criticism or legal responsibility, rejecting the victim narrative that often accompanies such revelations. None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them, he said, signaling a willingness to confront his own decisions rather than blame the league, doctors, or circumstances.
He also emphasized that this episode has become a teaching moment within his own home, particularly for his three young sons. When you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility, he said, offering a message that aligns with traditional values of personal responsibility and moral accountability that many Americans still expect from public figures.
Romo said the past month has forced him to grapple with his conduct not only in private but before the broader public that once cheered him on Sundays. It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public, Romo said, explicitly invoking his faith as part of the process of repentance and restoration.
He indicated that he is now under the care of medical professionals as he works to address both his physical condition and his relationship with alcohol. Romo also expressed gratitude to those who have stood by him, saying he was thankful for the support of his family, friends, and members of the NFL community who have not abandoned him in a moment of weakness.
Despite the setback, Romo made clear that he does not view this as the end of his broadcasting career, but rather as a difficult chapter he intends to move beyond. As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period, he said, signaling both contrition and determination to resume his role in the booth once he has addressed the issues he outlined.
The former quarterback closed his statement with a brief but pointed sign-off that reflected both humility and faith: God bless. For many viewers and fans, Romos response will be measured not only by his words but by whether he follows through on the commitments he has now made publiclyto his family, his employer, his audience, and, as he emphasized, to God.
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