After 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys football team, quarterback Tony Romo has decided to hang up his cleats and trade them for broadcasting with CBS.
Undrafted out of Eastern Illinois, he was nameless in the NFL until he stepped out onto the field in the middle of a game to replace Drew Bledsoe after 4 seasons on the bench. I remember watching that game as a kid, and as a sports fan, I had no idea what would become of him. Little did I know that I would have the privilege of watching Romo become a star at his position, and become the face of the Dallas Cowboys.
Thank you, Tony, for your continued dedication to the Cowboys organization and fans. Thank you for every exciting game, win or lose. Every Sunday I loved watching you step onto the field, confident and ready. I loved watching your accurate passes to players like Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and Dez Bryant. Thank you for being a positive role model for young fans and adults alike, and persisting through every obstacle that came your way.
Believe me when I say you changed this team for the better. Even though injuries plagued you throughout your playing career, the numbers you put up, including your outstanding passer rating (97.1 to be exact- the fourth-best in NFL history), is unparalleled, and a big influence on Cowboys history. Not to mention, Romo retires with being the Cowboys all-time leader in passing (a whopping 34,183 yards) and passing touchdowns (248).
Of course, times have changed now. Your selflessness has allowed rookie Dak Prescott out of Mississippi State to adjust to his starting role and become the new face of the organization. I remember watching your press conference and seeing the emotions that you expressed, both happy and sad. But you had nothing but positive words to say about Dak. And your support for him goes unmatched. The backstage role you took on to be a coach and mentor to him has proven to be very effective, on and off the field.
Again, thank you for your leadership and 14 outstanding seasons as a Cowboy. I will miss seeing Number 9 run out of a tunnel every Sunday, but I wish you all the best as a broadcaster at CBS.
