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The voice that's called some of the NFL's biggest moments for nearly a decade has gone quiet — at least for now. Tony Romo has issued a public statement following CBS's decision to place him on indefinite leave, addressing the circumstances behind his sudden absence from the network's NFL broadcast booth.

Romo Takes Responsibility

In the statement, released online, Romo accepted responsibility for what he described as his own "failures" — the events that led to his leave from CBS, where he has been a fixture of the network's NFL coverage since joining in 2017.

A Legal Matter Disclosed

Romo also revealed in the statement that he pleaded no contest Tuesday to a civil offense for OWI, or operating while intoxicated, in Wisconsin — a legal development that appears directly tied to the network's decision to step him back from broadcasting duties.

CBS Elevates J.J. Watt in Response

With Romo stepping away, CBS Sports is promoting J.J. Watt into the network's lead broadcast team, joining longtime play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson as the 2026 NFL season gets underway.

Watt's Broadcasting Journey So Far

Watt's path to this promotion has moved quickly. He joined CBS in 2023 as a studio analyst, then transitioned to the network's No. 2 broadcast crew just before last season began. His first assignment alongside Nantz in the new lead role comes Sept. 13, when the two will call the Green Bay Packers-Minnesota Vikings matchup.

Romo's Rapid Rise From Field to Booth

Romo's own broadcasting career began almost immediately after his playing days ended. He announced his retirement in April 2017, following 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, then signed with CBS Sports to become the network's lead game analyst — a remarkably swift transition from playing field to broadcast booth.

A Career Marked by Marquee Assignments

Romo's rise within the booth was equally rapid. In just his second season calling games, he was already on the call for Super Bowl 53, the New England Patriots' 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams — a game that turned out to be Tom Brady's final championship with the Patriots franchise.

Over the years, Romo went on to call three Super Bowls in total, including Brady's subsequent championship win during the 2020 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with the second Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in February 2024 — a résumé that placed him among the network's most prominent broadcasting talents before this recent leave.