Tony Romo Returns To TV On Pat McAfee's Show After Arrest

Tony Romo makes his first television appearance on Pat McAfee's show following his July OWI arrest© X/@BleacherReport

Tony Romo stepped back in front of the cameras on Monday night, but his return to football television came through an unexpected door. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback joined Pat McAfee's alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football during the Minnesota Vikings' matchup against the Buffalo Bills. His appearance marked his first media outing since a July arrest in Wisconsin, which eventually cost him his position as CBS Sports' lead NFL analyst. The short conversation gave viewers their first look at Romo since his departure from the network.

Tony Romo makes TV return after OWI arrest

Romo joined the ESPN2 broadcast remotely early in the second quarter. McAfee welcomed him as the show's quarterback expert, setting up a lighthearted conversation with former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky.

"I'm doing good, and I'm sorry, Dan [Orlovsky], that they gave me the quarterback specialist here, but you know that I think you're a great quarterback guru. You know that," Romo said.

The former quarterback did not limit his appearance to friendly banter. McAfee asked him to break down the game, particularly the problems Minnesota faced against Buffalo's defense. Romo expected a defensive contest before suggesting the game could open up as it progressed.

"This is going to be a defensive battle," he said. "Eventually, the dam will break at some point."

He then pointed to Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen's ability to organize protection before the snap, calling it a rare strength that made the Bills difficult to defend.

Romo stayed on the broadcast with 8:44 remaining before halftime. Before leaving, he entertained viewers with an imitation of a quarterback's pre-snap cadence, shouting, "White eighty! Get the ball to Jefferson!"

McAfee had a warm message for his guest before the segment ended. "We miss the hell out of you this season," he told Romo.

Tony Romo's CBS exit followed July arrest

The appearance came after a difficult stretch for the 46-year-old broadcaster. On July 23, Romo was arrested in Wisconsin after police stopped his vehicle near Burlington.

He received four citations, including operating while intoxicated, possessing open intoxicants in a moving vehicle and refusing an intoxication test after his arrest. He later pleaded no contest to the OWI charge in September.

CBS placed him on indefinite leave after the incident and announced its split with him on October 2. Romo had worked alongside Jim Nantz as the network's top NFL broadcast analyst since 2017.

In his departure statement, he said he wanted to take a break and focus on his health and family before pursuing another opportunity.

The former Dallas Cowboys star had four years and $72 million remaining on his 10-year, $180 million contract. Although the two sides settled, the financial details were not made public. JJ Watt took over his position at CBS.