Traffic Stop Details: Romo was pulled over at the Marquette interchange during rush hour (shortly after 6 p.m.) for unsafe passing on the right and cutting across the gore — the marked area between highway lanes. He was traveling on southbound I-43 on a high-rise bridge.
Initial Encounter: Romo told the deputy he was coming from a USGA golf tournament and heading to meet his grandparents. He claimed he had "zero" drinks. Officers noted "red glassy eyes" and an "odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage" on his breath.
Field Sobriety Test Struggles: The footage shows Romo struggling with the field sobriety test. He told officers "There's too many" instructions for the heel-to-toe walking exercise, claiming prior back surgeries affected his performance. He also had difficulty with the eye-tracking test and one-leg stand.
Refusal of Chemical Tests: Romo repeatedly refused the preliminary breathalyzer and evidentiary breath test, stating: "I've already heard from all the lawyers. Don't ever do that." He asked for his lawyer "for the eighth time." A search warrant was subsequently obtained for a mandatory blood draw.
Legal Consequences: Romo was cited for "refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest." A first-time OWI charge in Wisconsin is typically a civil offense with fines ranging from $150 to $300. He is expected in court on September 21.
Why This Matters: This incident involves a high-profile NFL figure with significant public visibility. Romo's responses during the stop — including asking if he could call his lawyer and refusing chemical tests — highlight common legal strategies and their practical implications in OWI cases.
The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. on July 23 when a Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputy observed Romo driving erratically near the Marquette interchange. Bodycam audio reveals both parties struggled to hear each other due to traffic noise, with the deputy noting they would have to "basically yell at each other."
Romo, 46, placed his cell phone on the back of his Jeep to record the stop. When asked to submit to a field sobriety test, he repeatedly requested to contact his lawyer — a request the deputy denied at the scene.
Romo was transported to the Milwaukee County Jail Sally Port for testing. Key moments from the footage:
Eye-Tracking Test: Romo had difficulty following instructions, asking for multiple clarifications and moving his head when told to keep it still.
Walk-and-Turn Test: Romo performed the test barefoot. When given instructions, he responded: "No, I don't. There's too many." He cited "two back surgeries" before attempting the heel-to-toe walk, during which his heel landed far in front of his toe with each step.
One-Leg Stand: He initially couldn't decide which leg to use and used his arms to balance.
At the conclusion, Romo asked: "Did I pass this test?" The deputy replied: "Turn around."
Romo refused multiple chemical tests throughout the process, citing advice from lawyers. After being read Wisconsin's implied consent law, he refused the evidentiary breath test, saying: "Like I said, I want my lawyer for the eighth time."
The deputy explained a search warrant would be obtained for a mandatory blood draw. Romo was arrested and later booked and released. Court documents confirm he was cited for refusing to take a test for intoxication after arrest.
Romo played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2006 to 2016 and retired in April 2017. He has since served as CBS Sports' lead NFL game color analyst. This is his first-ever arrest. He is married to Candice Crawford, and they share three sons.
What is an OWI charge in Wisconsin?
OWI stands for Operating While Under the Influence. In Wisconsin, a first-time OWI offense is typically treated as a civil infraction rather than a criminal charge, carrying fines between $150 and $300.
Why did Romo refuse the breathalyzer test?
Romo stated he was following legal advice: "I hear from all the lawyers, 'Don't ever do that.'" Under Wisconsin's implied consent law, refusing a chemical test can result in automatic license suspension and other penalties, but some legal strategies recommend refusal.
What happens next in Romo's case?
Romo is scheduled for an intake court appearance on September 21, 2026. A search warrant was filed for a blood draw to test his blood alcohol content.
Was this Romo's first arrest?
Yes, this marks the first arrest of Romo's life, according to reports.
Understanding Legal Rights: Romo's case demonstrates the tension between the right to counsel and compliance with field sobriety testing. Drivers should know their state's implied consent laws.
Consequences of Refusal: Refusing chemical testing doesn't prevent prosecution — a warrant can be obtained for a blood draw, and refusal itself carries penalties.
Who This Affects: This case resonates with anyone who drives, particularly those unfamiliar with OWI procedures. It highlights how even public figures face standard law enforcement processes.
Key Insight: Romo's repeated requests for his lawyer, his struggle to understand test instructions, and his ultimate refusal of chemical tests all reflect common behaviors documented in OWI cases — offering a real-world example of how these encounters unfold.
This case raises important questions about field sobriety testing procedures, legal rights during traffic stops, and how high-profile individuals navigate the legal system. Do you think Romo's responses during the stop were reasonable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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