Tony Romo Breaks Silence on OWI Arrest & Reveals Struggle With Alcohol Dependence

Tony Romo is opening up about the personal struggles that he says contributed to his recent legal trouble.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has pleaded no contest to an OWI charge in Wisconsin and revealed that he is dealing with alcohol dependency, according to a letter he posted on Instagram. Romo explained that his problems began after multiple back surgeries left him with chronic pain and a dependency on pain medication. While attempting to stop taking the medication, he said he instead became dependent on alcohol.

In a personal post to his friends, family, and fans on Instagram, the footballer explained the events that led to his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on suspicion of driving under the influence.

“Football has shaped nearly every meaningful part of my life. I played for more than 20 years, including 14 in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. After my retirement, CBS gave me the profound honor of staying close to the game through broadcasting,” began the post. “Playing taught me the power of relationships, the strength of a team, and the toughness to face failure head-on with honesty, resilience, and the determination to do better.”

Romo called the situation a “personal failure” and said he is taking responsibility for his actions while working with doctors to address his dependency. His driving privileges have also been revoked for six months, and he is required to undergo an alcohol assessment and have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle.

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“This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me. This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely,” wrote Romo in the letter.

“Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol,” the football star explained.

“None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them,” he continued. “The past month has been difficult, but it has also been personally significant. It has required me to confront and own my mistakes fully—to the Lord, to myself, to my family, and now to the public.”

The open letter ends with a promise and a request. “I am working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community, including players, coaches, and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know. 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.”

According to local authorities, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped Romo’s vehicle on Interstate 43. A first-offense OWI is treated as a civil case rather than a criminal charge under Wisconsin law.

Romo’s future at CBS is still up in the air, but a return might be possible. His representative recently confirmed that Romo’s team is “communicating with CBS about next steps.” CBS has not made a final decision or said when he could return.

If you or someone you know has addiction issues, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.