Tony Romo
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| Tony Romo | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tony Romo |
| Caption | Romo in 2015 |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Birth date | 21 April 1980 |
| Birth place | San Diego, California |
| Weight lb | 230 |
| High school | Burlington High School |
| College | Eastern Illinois |
| Draft year | 2003 |
| Career start | 2003 |
| Career end | 2016 |
| Career team | Dallas Cowboys |
| Highlights | * 4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014) * NFL passing TD leader (2007) * Walter Payton Award (2002) * Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor (2021) |
| Stat label1 | Passer rating |
| Stat value1 | 97.1 |
| Stat label2 | Completion % |
| Stat value2 | 65.3 |
| Stat label3 | Touchdown–Interception |
| Stat value3 | 248–117 |
| Stat label4 | Passing yards |
| Stat value4 | 34,183 |
Tony Romo is a former professional American football quarterback and current sports commentator for CBS Sports. He spent his entire 14-season National Football League career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he became the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Following his retirement after the 2016 NFL season, he transitioned to broadcasting, quickly becoming the lead analyst for CBS's top NFL on CBS broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz. His playing career was noted for prolific passing statistics, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and several memorable playoff appearances.
Early life and college career
Born in San Diego, California, he moved with his family to Burlington, Wisconsin, where he was a multi-sport standout at Burlington High School. Despite receiving limited NCAA Division I recruiting interest, he accepted a scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision. At Eastern Illinois, he developed under coach Bob Spoo, setting numerous school and conference records. His stellar senior season in 2002, where he threw for over 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, earned him the Walter Payton Award as the top player in the FCS.
Professional career
He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003, spending his first three seasons as a backup to Quincy Carter and Drew Bledsoe. He took over as the starting quarterback midway through the 2006 NFL season, leading the team to a playoff berth and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. During his tenure, he set virtually every major passing record for the storied Dallas Cowboys franchise, surpassing legends like Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2007 and again in 2014, earning four total Pro Bowl nods. His career, however, was often defined by dramatic playoff moments and narrow losses in the NFL playoffs, including memorable games against the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers. Persistent back injuries ultimately led to his loss of the starting job to Dak Prescott in 2016, after which he retired.
Post-playing career
Immediately upon retirement in April 2017, he joined CBS Sports as the lead color commentator for the NFL on CBS, paired with veteran play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. His insightful, predictive analysis and enthusiastic style were widely praised by critics and fans, drawing comparisons to broadcasting greats like John Madden. He has since become a fixture for CBS's coverage of major events like the Super Bowl and The Masters, while also occasionally providing analysis for NCAA basketball tournament games. He has also participated in celebrity golf tournaments and various charitable endeavors.
Personal life
He married former CBS reporter Candice Crawford in 2011; the couple has three sons. His family resides in Dallas, Texas. He is an avid golfer with a low handicap, having competed in multiple PGA Tour Monday qualifiers and the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament on a sponsor's exemption. He maintains a close friendship with former teammate and tight end Jason Witten and is involved with numerous charitable organizations, including the Children's Cancer Fund and the United Way.
Legacy and impact
His legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his record-breaking tenure with the Dallas Cowboys and his transformative impact on sports broadcasting. On the field, he is remembered as one of the most statistically efficient and productive quarterbacks of his era, holding franchise records for the Dallas Cowboys in passing yards, touchdowns, and game-winning drives. Despite a lack of deep Super Bowl runs, his teams were perennial contenders in the NFC East. In the broadcast booth, his work for CBS Sports is credited with modernizing color commentary through his anticipatory breakdown of defensive schemes and play-calling. His induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2021 cemented his status as one of the most important figures in the modern history of the National Football League's most valuable franchise.
Category:American football quarterbacks Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:American sports commentators