Body Camera Footage Shows Tony Romo Failing Sobriety Tests and Asking to Call His Parents After OWI Arrest in Wisconsin

Newly released body camera footage shows former Cowboys QB Tony Romo during his Wisconsin OWI arrest, telling officers he was visiting grandparents.

Body camera footage from Tony Romo's OWI arrest in Wisconsin has been released, offering a detailed public look at the traffic stop that led to the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback's arrest. In the video, obtained by TMZ, Romo tells the officer he was on his way to visit his grandparents when he was pulled over. Page Six described him as appearing 'glassy-eyed' during the encounter, and the footage shows him failing field sobriety tests. After being handcuffed, Romo was also heard asking officers, 'Is it possible to call my parents just to tell them that I'm not dead?' Romo was arrested on a Thursday in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI), which is Wisconsin's equivalent of a DUI charge. Romo, 46, played 14 seasons in the NFL, primarily as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, and has since worked as a CBS Sports broadcaster. The release of the body camera footage marks a significant development in the case, which was first reported at the time of the arrest.

Why it matters

The arrest and footage involve a prominent former NFL star and current network sports broadcaster, making it a high-profile case. OWI charges in Wisconsin carry legal consequences including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time depending on prior offenses.

What's next

Romo's legal proceedings in Wisconsin related to the OWI charge are ongoing; no court dates or plea information were specified in the reporting.

Key facts

• Tony Romo was arrested in Wisconsin on suspicion of OWI (operating while intoxicated)
• Body camera footage of the arrest was obtained and published by TMZ
• Romo told officers during the stop that he was on his way to visit his grandparents
• Page Six described Romo as appearing 'glassy-eyed' in the footage
• The footage reportedly shows Romo performing a field sobriety test
• Romo is a former Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback and current CBS Sports broadcaster

Bias & framing notes

TMZ focused on the narrative detail of Romo's grandparents comment, while Page Six emphasized his physical appearance with the characterization 'glassy-eyed' and his performance on the field sobriety test — language that editorializes about his apparent impairment. Both outlets are tabloid-style publications, though the existence of body camera footage provides a concrete evidentiary basis for the core facts. Neither source included a statement from Romo or his representatives.

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