As CBS Sports kicked off its on-air coverage of the regular 2026 NFL season on Sunday — as the New York Jets played the Tennessee Titans — viewers were likely wondering how the NFL on CBS team would cover Tony Romo’s absence following the analyst’s arrest.
But NFL on CBS kept it all about the gameplay in the first quarter of Sunday’s game, not delving into the behind-the-scenes drama, and social media users seemed divided about Romo’s absence.
“I honestly think watching the start of Bills/Texans I have learned more about schemes and football in general from Ross Tucker in 2 minutes than I have from Tony Romo in years,” one X user wrote.
Another user, however, wrote, “I miss Tony Romo in the booth on Sunday.”
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Romo was put on leave at CBS Sports after a July arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he pleaded no contest to the charge in September, USA Today reports.
A spokesperson for the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback said in August that Romo’s team was “communicating with CBS about next steps,” as USA Today reported at the time. CBS Sports president David Berson addressed the situation during CBS’ NFL Media Day in August as well, saying it was a “personnel matter and a legal one for Tony,” per Awful Announcing.
“What I can say is it’s an evolving situation, and therefore we’re still assessing,” Berson added. “There’s no timetable or final decision at this time. Since it continues to evolve and we’re on the eve of the season, I felt it’s very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we kick off the season.”
For his part, Romo said in a statement on Instagram this month he developed an over-reliance on alcohol after trying to get himself off the pain medications he was taking following multiple back surgeries.
“As I have taught my three young sons: When you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility,” he added. “That is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward. That path requires honesty. None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”