Tony Romo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tony Romo

Romo with the Dallas Cowboys in 2015
No. 9
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1980-04-21) April 21, 1980 (age 45) San Diego, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:	Burlington (Burlington, Wisconsin)
College:	Eastern Illinois (1999–2002)
Undrafted:	2003
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (2003)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Pro (2014) 4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014) NFL passer rating leader (2014) NFL completion percentage leader (2014) Walter Payton Award (2002) First-team I-AA All-American (2002) Third-team I-AA All-American (2001) 3× OVC Player of the Year (2000–2002) 3× First-team All-OVC (2000–2002) Eastern Illinois Panthers No. 17 retired
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts: 4,335 Passing completions: 2,829 Completion percentage: 65.3% TD–INT: 248–117 Passing yards: 34,183 Passer rating: 97.1
Player stats at PFR
College Football Hall of Fame

Tony Romo (born April 21, 1980) is a former American football quarterback. He played for 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the pros, he played college football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers. He won the Walter Payton Award in 2002, which is given to the best player in his college division.

Romo joined the Cowboys in 2003 as an undrafted free agent, meaning no team picked him in the draft. He started as a backup player. From 2006 to 2015, he was the main starting quarterback for the Cowboys. He helped the team reach the playoffs four times. He was also chosen for the Pro Bowl (an all-star game) during each of those playoff seasons.

Tony Romo retired after the 2016 season. A back injury caused him to lose his starting spot to a new player, Dak Prescott. After retiring from playing, Romo became a lead sports announcer for CBS Sports. He is known for his smart comments during NFL games. Romo holds many Cowboys team records, like most passing touchdowns and passing yards. He was added to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Tony Romo: Early Life and School

Tony Romo was born in San Diego, California. His parents are Ramiro Romo Jr. and Joan Jakubowski. His father was in the Navy, so Tony moved around a bit as a child. The Romo family later moved back to Burlington, Wisconsin. There, his father worked in construction, and his mother worked at a grocery store.

As a child, Romo played baseball and was chosen for the Little League All-Star team. His grandfather, Ramiro Romo Sr., came to the United States from Mexico. He often said Tony's success showed the great chances immigrants can find in the U.S. Tony's mother has German and Polish family roots.

Romo became the starting quarterback for the Burlington High School Demons in 1996. In 1997, he earned several honors, including being named to the All-Racine County football team. He also played basketball, golf, and tennis. In basketball, he scored 24.3 points per game. He also grabbed 8.8 rebounds and had 4.7 assists per game. Romo graduated from Burlington High School in 1998. He held the school's all-time scoring record for basketball with 1,080 points.

College Football Days

Romo at Eastern Illinois

Romo went to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. He played for the NCAA Division I-AA Eastern Illinois Panthers football team. In 2000, as a sophomore, he was second in his division for passing efficiency. He completed 59% of his passes for 2,583 yards and 27 touchdowns. After that season, he was named an All-America honorable mention. He also became an All-Ohio Valley Conference member and the OVC Player of the Year.

In 2002, Romo made history at Eastern Illinois and in the Ohio Valley Conference. He became the first player from either to win the Walter Payton Award. This award goes to the best player in Division I-AA football each year. He finished his college career with 85 touchdown passes, a school and conference record. He also had 8,212 passing yards, which was second in school history.

On October 17, 2009, Eastern Illinois University retired Romo's No. 17 jersey. They also put him in the EIU Hall of Fame. He was the first Eastern Illinois player to have his number retired. Romo said it was a special honor. On December 7, 2021, Romo was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

College Statistics

College Awards

• 3× All-OVC (2000–2002)
• 3× OVC Player of the Year (2000–2002)
• 3× All-American (2000–2002)
• Walter Payton Award (2002)

Becoming a Pro Player

Romo did not get an invitation to the 2003 NFL Combine at first. But he later got a chance to throw passes to other players. Even though some scouts were interested, no NFL team drafted him. The Dallas Cowboys, however, were very interested. They signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2003.

Romo started his career as the third-string quarterback for the Cowboys. He learned behind experienced players like Quincy Carter and Vinny Testaverde. For a few years, he also served as the holder for field goals. In 2005, he became the Cowboys' second quarterback. He showed strong skills in preseason games in 2005 and 2006.

2006 Season: Romo Becomes a Starter

Romo during the 2006 preseason

Romo began the 2006 season as a backup. He took his first regular season snap at quarterback on October 15. His first NFL pass was a 33-yard completion. His next pass was a two-yard touchdown, his first in the NFL.

A week later, Romo replaced the starting quarterback during a game against the New York Giants. On October 25, Cowboys coach Bill Parcells announced that Romo would be the new starting quarterback. Romo led the Cowboys to a 35–14 victory in his first game as a starter.

On November 19, Romo led the Cowboys to beat the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were the last unbeaten team in the NFL. Romo completed 19 of 23 passes, helping the Cowboys win 21–14. He also had a great game on Thanksgiving Day, throwing five touchdown passes. Romo helped the Cowboys make the playoffs that year. He finished the 2006 season with 2,903 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.

In the playoffs, the Cowboys played the Seattle Seahawks. With the Cowboys down by one point, Romo fumbled the snap on a field goal attempt. He tried to run for a first down but was stopped short. The Cowboys lost the game 21–20. Romo was later chosen to play in the 2007 Pro Bowl.

2007 Season: Breaking Records

Romo before the 2008 Pro Bowl

Romo started the 2007 season strong, throwing four touchdown passes in the first game. He earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award. In Week 5, he threw five interceptions in a game but still led the Cowboys to a 25–24 victory. This was a rare event in Monday Night Football history.

On October 29, Romo signed a big six-year contract extension with the Cowboys. On November 29, he broke Danny White's team record for most touchdown passes in a season. By December 22, Romo became the first Cowboys quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season. The Cowboys finished the 2007 season with an excellent 13–3 record. Romo had 4,211 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. He was nominated for the Pro Bowl again.

In the playoffs, the Cowboys faced the New York Giants. Romo could not lead a comeback victory. The Cowboys lost 21–17 and were eliminated. The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl XLII.

2008 Season: Injuries and Challenges

On September 7, 2008, Romo led the Cowboys to a 28–10 win. He completed 24 of 32 passes for 320 yards. During the game, he got a large cut on his chin and needed stitches. Romo also signed a big endorsement deal with Starter clothing that month.

The Cowboys started 3–0 before losing to the Washington Redskins. Romo was injured in a later game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys struggled without him. In the final game of the season, the Cowboys lost badly to the Philadelphia Eagles, 44–6. Romo had three turnovers in that game. This loss raised questions about his performance in important games.

2009 Season: Playoff Win

Tony Romo vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 2009

Romo started the 2009 season with a career-high 353 passing yards and three touchdowns in a win. In Week 13, he threw for a career-high 392 yards against the New York Giants. He also completed 41 passes, another career high.

In Week 15, Romo led the Cowboys to a big win against the undefeated New Orleans Saints. He threw for 312 yards and one touchdown. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December. Romo became the first Cowboys quarterback to play every snap in a full season. He also set a new team record for single-season passing yards with 4,483.

The Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East division title that season. Romo was named to the Pro Bowl for the third time. In the playoffs, Romo led the Cowboys to a 34–14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. This was the Cowboys' first playoff win in 13 years, and Romo's first career playoff victory. However, the next week, the Cowboys lost to the Minnesota Vikings 34–3. Romo had three fumbles and an interception in that game.

2010 Season: Injury Strikes

In Week 5 of 2010, Romo threw for a career-high 406 yards. But he also threw two costly interceptions, leading to a loss. On October 25, during a Monday Night Football game, Romo suffered a broken left collarbone. This injury ended his season early. He was replaced by veteran quarterback Jon Kitna.

2011 Season: Playing Through Pain

Romo had a strong year in 2011 with a 102.5 quarterback rating. This was the fourth best in the league. He also led four fourth-quarter comebacks that season.

In Week 2, Romo suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung. He was hit by a player in the second quarter. Romo bravely returned to the game in the fourth quarter. He threw a touchdown and led a drive for a game-tying field goal. The Cowboys won in overtime. Romo played several games with a protective vest after this injury. He finished the 2011 season with 4,184 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.

2012 Season: More Records and Close Calls

An NFL.com analyst ranked Romo as the 9th best quarterback before the 2012 season. He started the season with a win, throwing for 307 yards and three touchdowns. In Week 8, he threw for 437 yards but also four interceptions in a close loss. In Week 13, Romo broke Troy Aikman's franchise record for career touchdown passes.

The Cowboys had several exciting comeback wins that season. In Week 14, they beat the Cincinnati Bengals after being down late in the game. In Week 15, they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime. Romo passed 25,000 career passing yards in that game.

The Cowboys played the Washington Redskins in Week 17 for the division title. Romo threw three interceptions, and the Cowboys lost 28–18. They finished the season with an 8–8 record and missed the playoffs.

2013 Season: Back Surgery

The Cowboys signed Romo to a big contract extension in 2013. In April 2013, he had back surgery to remove a cyst. He missed some training time because of it.

Romo started the season with a win, throwing for 263 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 5, he threw for a franchise-record 506 passing yards and five touchdowns. This was in a high-scoring 51–48 loss to the Denver Broncos.

In Week 16, Romo led a game-winning touchdown drive with just over a minute left. The Cowboys won 24–23. It was later found that he had a season-ending back injury during that game. He had surgery on December 27, 2013. The Cowboys missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Romo finished the 2013 season with 3,828 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.

2014 Season: All-Pro Year

After a tough start, Romo and the Cowboys won six games in a row in 2014. They even beat the defending champion Seattle Seahawks on the road. In Week 5, Romo made a famous escape from a defender and threw a 43-yard touchdown.

In Week 8, Romo suffered another back injury. He missed one game but returned to lead the Cowboys to a 12–4 record. They won their first division title since 2009. On December 21, Romo set a team record by completing 90% of his passes in a game. His passer rating in December was the highest in NFL history. He was named to the Pro Bowl.

In the playoffs, Romo led the Cowboys to a comeback win over the Detroit Lions. The next week, they lost to the Green Bay Packers. Romo completed a long pass to Dez Bryant that was first ruled a catch but then overturned. Romo led the NFL in completion percentage and passer rating that season. He finished tied for 3rd in MVP voting.

2015 Season: More Injuries

Romo started the 2015 season strong. He threw a game-winning pass in the final seconds of the first game. But in Week 2, he broke his left collarbone after being tackled. This injury kept him out for eight weeks. The Cowboys did not win a single game without him.

Romo returned in Week 11 and led the Cowboys to a win. But in Week 12, on Thanksgiving Day, he reinjured his left shoulder. This injury ended his season. The Cowboys missed the playoffs again.

2016 Season: Final Season

Romo could not start the 2016 season due to a back injury. He suffered a compression fracture in his back during a preseason game. This caused him to miss the first 10 games. Rookie Dak Prescott took over as the starting quarterback.

Prescott played very well, leading the team to many wins. Romo decided to step aside and let Prescott remain the starter. Romo made his season debut in the final regular season game. He threw a touchdown pass in what would be his final play as a player.

Life After Playing: Broadcasting

On April 4, 2017, Tony Romo announced he was retiring from the NFL. After retiring, he was hired by CBS Sports. He became the lead color analyst for their NFL games, working with announcer Jim Nantz.

At first, some people questioned if Romo should get the top announcing job right away. But once the 2017 NFL season started, Romo received a lot of praise. People liked his ability to predict plays before they happened. He also brought a lot of excitement to the broadcasts.

Romo and Nantz were highly praised for their announcing of the 2018 AFC Championship Game. Many said Romo's analysis was like he was "in on the fun with you." The New Yorker even called him a "genius of football commentary."

In 2020, Romo signed a new contract with CBS. It reportedly made him one of the highest-paid sports broadcasters ever. However, in later seasons, some critics said Romo's broadcasting skills had declined. They said he talked too much or seemed confused at times. Despite this, Romo continued to call big games, including Super Bowl LVIII.

Endorsements

Since 2018, Romo has appeared in commercials for Corona. He often gives fantasy football advice in these ads.

Giving Back and Personal Life

Since 2004, Tony Romo has hosted a youth football camp every summer in Burlington, Wisconsin. In the Dallas area, he has worked with groups like United Way and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He also helps the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

On May 28, 2011, Romo married Candice Crawford. She was a former journalist and the 2008 Miss Missouri USA. They have three sons together: Hawkins, Rivers, and Jones.

Romo is a very good amateur golfer. He has tried to qualify for professional golf tournaments. In 2018, he won the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament. Famous golfer Tiger Woods has said Romo is one of the best celebrity golfers he has played with.

Tony Romo is a Christian. He has spoken about how his faith helps him handle the ups and downs of professional football.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season

Postseason

Career Awards and Highlights

• 4× Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014)
• Second-team All Pro (2014)
• NFC passing yards leader (2009)
• NFC passing touchdowns leader (2007)
• NFL passer rating leader (2014)
• NFL completion percentage leader (2014)
• 2× NFC passer rating leader (2007, 2014)
• 3× FedEx Air Player of the Week (Week 1, 2007, Week 13, 2007, Week 5, 2013)
• 2× NFC Offensive Player of the Month
• Ed Block Courage Award (2011)

NFL Records

Career Records

• Most consecutive road games with at least one touchdown pass: 41 (2009–2016)
• Most games in a season with a passer rating of at least 135.0 (6)

Dallas Cowboys Team Records

Career

• Passing yards (34,183)
• Passing touchdowns (248)
• Games with at least 3 touchdown passes: 40
• Games with at least 300 yards passing: 46
• Most fourth quarter comebacks/game-winning drives: 28
• Consecutive games with a touchdown pass: 38 (2012–2014)

Season

• Games with at least 300 yards passing: 9 (2012)
• Passing yards: 4,903 (2012)
• Attempts: 611 (2012)
• First quarterback in team history to average over 300 passing yards a game in a season (306.4 – 2012)

Game

• On December 21, 2014, Romo completed a team record 90.0% of his passes (18 of 20) in a game.
• Most passing yards in a game: 506 yards against the Denver Broncos on October 6, 2013.

Images for kids

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  Tony Romo with Tiger Woods at the AT&T National

In Spanish: Tony Romo para niños

• List of 500-yard passing games in the National Football League
• List of most consecutive games with touchdown passes in the National Football League