Jerry Jones' unexpected support for his former QB Tony Romo after being let go by CBS

Tony Romo’s broadcasting career has taken an unexpected turn, but his former boss in Dallas isn’t writing him off.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly backed Romo following the former quarterback’s departure from CBS Sports, offering an optimistic outlook despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the end of his nine-year run with the network.

During his regular appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones spoke highly of his former quarterback and made it clear that he believes Romo still has plenty ahead of him.

“He’s just getting started. He really is,” said Jones . “I say that with all sincerity. He’s just getting started. And he certainly has had some — made some mistakes… But he realizes that there’s an area of his life that he wants to do better in.

“He’s got great opportunity ahead of him. I don’t know of anyone — period — that has a better future than Tony Romo. And I’m excited for him. He’s not only got great talent but he’s a hell of a man.”

That backing comes after a turbulent period for Romo . He was arrested in Wisconsin in July on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and was subsequently placed on leave by CBS.

The network and Romo eventually announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways, bringing his lengthy broadcasting tenure to an end.

Romo’s next chapter could still be in broadcasting

Romo joined CBS in 2017 after walking away from the NFL and quickly became one of the most recognizable voices in football broadcasting.

His partnership with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz became a major part of CBS’s NFL coverage, with the pair regularly handling some of the network’s biggest games.

CBS showed just how highly it valued Romo in 2020 when he signed a reported 10-year, $180 million contract. The agreement made him one of the highest-paid sports broadcasters in the industry and demonstrated the network’s confidence in his ability to remain a major part of its NFL coverage.

That chapter is now over. J.J. Watt has stepped into the lead analyst role alongside Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for the remainder of the 2026 season. Watt had previously worked on CBS’s second broadcast team before being elevated following Romo’s departure.

Watt’s promotion also gives CBS a chance to evaluate its new lead booth. The former Houston Texans star has already received plenty of attention for his transition from the playing field to broadcasting, and his performance could influence the network’s plans for the 2027 season.

The next move remains unclear for Romo . His exit from CBS could eventually lead to another broadcasting opportunity, particularly given his experience and profile within the sport. Jones certainly appears to believe that’s possible.

After an unexpected ending to his CBS career, Romo now faces a new chapter.