Tony Romo isn’t walking away empty-handed.
The now-former CBS Sports NFL commentator is expected to “probably be a paid a good portion” of the $72 million remaining on his contract, according to The Athletic.
The sides reportedly agreed to financial terms Friday before news broke of of their split with four years and $72 million remaining on Romo’s 10-year, $180 million deal.
His CBS exit comes after two-plus months of speculation about his future with the organization following his OWI arrest in July in Milwaukee.
“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years,” Romo said Friday in a statement to The Post. “I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life – with a desire to win and be the best that I can be.
“I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
Due to the massive contract, plenty speculated about whether CBS would cut bait entirely or perhaps try to find a way to avoid paying out that large sum.
Some wondered if a morality clause could be used to offset that language.
CBS placed Romo on leave following his arrest and before the legal process played out, with CBS Sports president David Berson saying in August that the arrest’s affect on the company’s standing mattered.
“In making this decision, we have to consider the impact on our image and our brand,” Berson said ahead of the NFL season. “That’s very important to us. The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any other factors. Fortunately, we have a deep bench, and I’m really proud of the way everybody is stepping up and responding.”
It’s unclear just how long the sides hammered out the financials, but Romo is now out after a six-plus-years stay with the network that included highs and lows.
While plenty loved Romo after he debuted, particularly for his ability to telegraph plays before they happened, over time some didn’t love his shtick and he seemingly never evolved as a broadcaster.
The 46-year-old previously made a little more than $127 million during his 14-season NFL career with the Cowboys from 2003-16, per Spotrac.
JJ Watt is remaining as the top color analyst for CBS after replacing Romo prior to Week 1.
Said CBS in a statement Friday, “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
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