Tony Romo’s future at CBS has become a major topic of discussion following the network’s decision to place the former NFL quarterback on leave after his recent arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Wisconsin. As questions continue to surround his return, sports media personalities are also revisiting Romo’s long-standing relationship with CBS and whether contract negotiations years ago may have left lingering tensions behind the scenes.
Cowherd Questions CBS’ Long-Term Relationship With Romo
Speaking Friday on Ethan Strauss’ House of Strauss podcast, FS1 host Colin Cowherd said he believes Romo’s record-breaking contract negotiations with CBS in 2020 may have created lasting resentment among network executives.
CBS announced Friday that Romo has been placed on leave “until further notice.” During his absence, former NFL star J.J. Watt will join lead play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson in the network’s top NFL broadcast team.
Cowherd suggested the current situation highlights a relationship that may have become more complicated after Romo secured one of the richest broadcasting contracts in sports television history.
Record Contract Changed the Dynamic
“When you go into contract negotiations, there was a moment in time that Tony Romo had tremendous leverage over CBS,” Cowherd said. “And he squeezed them for every nickel.”
After retiring from the NFL, Romo quickly became one of television’s most recognizable football analysts when he joined CBS in 2017. His ability to predict plays before they happened earned widespread praise from fans and media alike.
When his initial contract approached expiration, ESPN reportedly pursued Romo for its Monday Night Football booth. That competition gave him significant bargaining power, ultimately leading CBS to sign him to a 10-year, $180 million agreement in 2020—one of the largest deals ever awarded to a sports broadcaster.
Cowherd Believes Executives Never Forgot the Negotiations
According to Cowherd, even successful negotiations can leave lasting frustration within an organization.
“Even if you have leverage, it will create resentment somewhere upstairs,” Cowherd said. “And I’ve always thought with the CBS execs, they don’t defend him quite as quickly. Or, when this recent story came out, reportedly, for the first two days nobody from CBS contacted him. That’s what I heard from somebody who would know. And I thought, is there resentment upstairs? Because he had them. He had them dead to rights, and he got every penny he wanted.”
Cowherd argued that the negotiations placed CBS executives in a difficult position, particularly because the network initially may not have anticipated paying such a substantial amount to retain Romo.
Comparing Romo’s Deal With Tom Brady’s Fox Contract
Cowherd also contrasted Romo’s situation with Tom Brady’s lucrative broadcasting contract at Fox.
While Brady now reportedly earns significantly more than Romo, Cowherd noted the circumstances were different. Brady was not actively negotiating with competing networks before joining Fox. Instead, Fox aggressively recruited the seven-time Super Bowl champion, setting the financial terms to bring him into broadcasting.
Romo, by contrast, benefited from multiple interested networks, creating a bidding environment that substantially increased his market value.
Cowherd also pointed out that Fox’s lead NFL booth is built around Brady as its marquee analyst, whereas CBS has long relied on veteran play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz as the central figure of its broadcasts.
Because of that distinction, Cowherd suggested CBS executives may have worried that Romo’s large salary increase could strengthen Nantz’s own negotiating position during future contract discussions.
“It made executives uncomfortable,” Cowherd told Strauss. “There was a lot of questions, they had to take calls. There’s a very well-documented trip by Sean McManus down to Dallas to talk to Romo…I find the Tony Romo dynamic with CBS fascinating.”
Romo’s Performance Drew Increased Scrutiny
Romo’s early years in the broadcast booth were widely praised, with many viewers considering him among the NFL’s top television analysts. Over time, however, public perception shifted as fans became more critical of his commentary, citing mistakes, exaggerated reactions, and other on-air habits.
Cowherd also referenced reports that former CBS leadership held what was described as an “intervention” with Romo in 2023 to encourage stronger preparation before broadcasts.
Despite growing criticism over recent seasons, CBS continued to publicly support Romo while maintaining him in its lead NFL booth.
Uncertainty Surrounds Romo’s Future
Cowherd emphasized that Romo had every right to maximize his earning potential during contract negotiations, especially with legitimate interest from ESPN.
Still, he believes the landmark agreement may have permanently altered the relationship between Romo and CBS management. With Romo now on leave and no timetable announced for his return, questions remain about both his future at the network and whether the balance of leverage has shifted back toward CBS after years of standing behind one of the highest-paid analysts in sports television.
Abigail Prescott is a contributor to Campuslately.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging trends. With a reader-first approach, Abigail highlights stories that matter, providing balanced coverage and accessible insights on issues relevant to everyday audiences.
