Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Speaks Out About Tony Romo’s Arrest

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones voiced strong support Saturday for former quarterback Tony Romo following the broadcaster’s recent arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Jones addressed the matter as the team opened another day of training camp practices. He confirmed he has been in contact with Romo in the days since the incident.

“I very much have had a chance to talk to him, and I’ve been talking to him. I love him. I love what he’s about, I love his character, I love his love of sport. He’s a very, very unique talent,” Jerry said.

The owner praised the longtime Cowboys signal-caller’s personal qualities and professional gifts.

Jones then turned to Romo’s well-known resilience throughout his playing career.

“The real question is — and I have to ask what the answer is — do you think Tony Romo knows how to get up when he gets knocked down? He had a life of that. And absolutely, that’s one of his greatest attributes is that he can handle adversity. This is something that he will work through,” Jones said.

Romo, 46, was stopped by a Milwaukee County sheriff’s deputy on the evening of July 23 while driving southbound on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. Authorities said the stop occurred after the vehicle made an unsafe pass and showed lane deviation.

Deputies reported observing signs of possible impairment, including red, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol. An open container of alcohol was later noted inside the vehicle.

Romo was taken into custody on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, cited for the open container and for refusing a chemical test, then released the same night.

Body-camera video of the encounter has circulated widely. In the footage, Romo told the deputy he was coming from a golf outing and headed to visit relatives.

CBS Sports, where Romo has worked as a lead NFL analyst, placed him on leave until further notice after news of the arrest became public.

Romo has not issued a public statement. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 21.

Jones, speaking at the team’s California training site, expressed confidence that the former Pro Bowl quarterback would navigate the situation successfully. The Cowboys owner has long maintained a close relationship with Romo, who led the franchise for more than a decade before retiring and moving into broadcasting.

Jones described Romo’s on-field vision and analytical mind as exceptional traits that have also served him well in television. He reiterated his admiration for Romo’s family and character while underscoring the player’s history of recovering from setbacks.

The comments marked Jones’ first public remarks on the matter since the arrest.

Training camp continues this week as the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season.