Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tony Romo

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

Discover the career path of Tony Romo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tony Romo is a former American professional football player who spent his entire 14-season career as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Despite going undrafted out of Eastern Illinois University, Romo rose to prominence as a four-time Pro Bowl selection and remains the Cowboys' all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Known for his ability to extend plays and his improvisational style, he often faced scrutiny due to the team's postseason struggles during his tenure. Following his retirement in 2017, Romo transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, joining CBS Sports as a lead game analyst. He gained widespread acclaim for his predictive insights and deep understanding of play-calling, quickly becoming one of the most respected and highest-paid voices in sports media. His transition from an iconic franchise quarterback to an influential broadcaster has solidified his legacy in the NFL landscape.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1983: Danny White Sets Cowboys Season Touchdown Record

In 1983, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White established a franchise record by throwing 29 touchdown passes in a single season, a mark that stood until it was eventually surpassed by Tony Romo.

1996: Beginning as Quarterback for Burlington High School

In 1996, Tony Romo began his tenure as the starting quarterback for the Burlington High School Demons during his junior year.

1997: All-State Football Honors

During the 1997 season, Romo finished with a 3–6 record with the Demons, but achieved significant recognition including a spot on the All-Racine County football team and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State first-team.

1998: High School Graduation and Scoring Record

In 1998, Romo graduated from Burlington High School after a stellar basketball career where he was named to the All-Racine County team and set the school's all-time basketball scoring record with 1,080 points.

2000: Sophomore Collegiate Success at Eastern Illinois University

During the 2000 season, Tony Romo achieved significant athletic success as a sophomore for the Eastern Illinois Panthers, ranking second in Division I-AA passing efficiency. In 2000, he threw for 2,583 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading to his recognition as an All-America honorable mention, an All-Ohio Valley Conference member, and the OVC Player of the Year.

2001: Ohio Valley Conference Championship Appearance

In 2001, Tony Romo led the Eastern Illinois Panthers to an appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference championship game.

October 14, 2002: OVC Player of the Week Honors

On October 14, 2002, Tony Romo was named the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Week following a game-winning eight-yard scramble against Eastern Kentucky that secured a 25–24 victory for Eastern Illinois.

December 19, 2002: Walter Payton Award Achievement

On December 19, 2002, Romo made history as the first player from Eastern Illinois and the Ohio Valley Conference to receive the Walter Payton Award, recognizing him as the premier Division I-AA football player of the year.

2003: Bill Parcells Becomes Cowboys Head Coach

In 2003, Bill Parcells was hired as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, marking the beginning of a coaching tenure that would eventually see Tony Romo help the team secure a playoff berth later in his career.

2003: Entry into the NFL and Signing with the Dallas Cowboys

In 2003, after initially failing to secure an invitation to the NFL Combine and subsequently going undrafted, Tony Romo was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys, beginning his professional career as the third-string quarterback.

2003: Signing with the Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo began his professional NFL career in 2003 by signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.

2004: Roster Changes and Role as Holder

During 2004, the Dallas Cowboys underwent significant quarterback changes, including the release of Quincy Carter and the arrival of Vinny Testaverde and Drew Henson; during this time, Romo narrowly avoided being cut from the roster and began serving as the team's primary holder for placekicks.

2004: Preseason Game Winning Touchdown

In 2004, Tony Romo, serving as the third-string quarterback, achieved a significant early career highlight by rushing for a game-winning touchdown with only six seconds remaining in a preseason matchup against the Oakland Raiders.

2005: Elevation to Second-String Quarterback

During the 2005 season, Tony Romo was promoted to the position of the Dallas Cowboys' second-string quarterback and subsequently delivered impressive performances throughout the 2005 preseason.

2005: Transition to Drew Bledsoe Era

In 2005, following the departure of Vinny Testaverde, the Dallas Cowboys signed veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe to lead the team, while Romo continued to fulfill his responsibilities as the team's holder throughout the season.

2006: Start of Period of NFL Passing Efficiency

Beginning in 2006, Tony Romo established himself as the most efficient fourth-quarter quarterback in the NFL, maintaining the highest passer rating among all quarterbacks through the 2013 season.

2006: Return to Holding Duties

In 2006, Tony Romo initially held for field goals; by 2009, he resumed these holding duties during a game against the San Diego Chargers after punter Mat McBriar experienced difficulties holding for kicker Nick Folk.

2006: Trade Offer and Preseason Performance

In the 2006 offseason, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton attempted to trade a third-round draft pick for Tony Romo, but the offer was rejected by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who demanded at least a second-round pick; Romo also continued to show strong form during the 2006 preseason.

2006: Romo Becomes Cowboys Starter

Starting in 2006, Tony Romo transitioned from his backup role to become the primary starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

2006: 2006 Season Performance

Throughout the 2006 season, Tony Romo established himself as a key quarterback, finishing the year ranked seventh in the NFC with 2,903 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes.

2007: 2007 NFL Season Performance and Pro Bowl Selection

During the 2007 season, Tony Romo led the Dallas Cowboys to the top of the NFC East with a 13-3 record. His individual performance in 2007 included 4,211 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, alongside 129 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, which earned him his second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.

2007: 2007 Single-Season 300-Yard Game Record

In 2007, Tony Romo established a Dallas Cowboys franchise record for the most 300-yard passing games in a single season, a mark he would later go on to surpass in 2009.

2007: 2007 Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2007, Tony Romo made his debut in the Pro Bowl as a substitute for Marc Bulger after Drew Brees suffered an elbow injury. During the 2007 game, Romo recorded one touchdown pass, threw one interception, and served as the NFC's holder for kickoffs.

October 17, 2009: Eastern Illinois University Jersey Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction

On October 17, 2009, during homecoming weekend, Eastern Illinois University honored Tony Romo by retiring his No. 17 jersey and inducting him into the school's Hall of Fame. Romo became the first player in the university's history to have his number officially retired.

2009: Record-Setting 2009 NFL Season

During the 2009 season, Tony Romo became the first quarterback in Dallas Cowboys history to play every snap of the season. He set a new team single-season passing record with 4,483 yards, recorded a franchise-best eight 300-yard games, and achieved a 1.6% interception rate, establishing him as the franchise leader in career interception percentage.

2011: 2011 Quarterback Performance

During the 2011 season, Tony Romo achieved a notable quarterback rating of 102.5. This performance ranked him as the fourth best in the NFL for that year, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady, while also marking the second-highest rating in the history of the Dallas Cowboys.

2011: Remarkable Performance Against the 49ers

During the 2011 season, Tony Romo demonstrated immense resilience in a Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite suffering a broken rib and a punctured lung from a hit by Carlos Rogers, Romo returned to the field to lead his team to victory. He threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns, orchestrated a game-tying drive in regulation, and connected with Jesse Holley for a 77-yard gain in overtime to set up a winning field goal. His exceptional performance, achieved while playing through significant pain, earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award.

2011: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

In 2011, despite his limited participation due to injury in the previous season, Tony Romo was recognized by his professional peers and ranked 72nd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011 list.

2013: Conclusion of Fourth Quarter Passing Dominance

By the end of 2013, Tony Romo concluded a notable seven-year stretch where he held the highest passer rating in the NFL during fourth-quarter play.

2015: Conclusion of Primary Starting Tenure

The year 2015 marked the end of Tony Romo's decade-long stint serving as the primary starter for the Dallas Cowboys.

2016: Retirement and Transition to Broadcasting

Following a 2016 preseason back injury that led to him being replaced by Dak Prescott, Tony Romo retired from the NFL and was hired by CBS Sports as a lead color analyst.

December 7, 2021: Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame

On December 7, 2021, Tony Romo was officially honored with an induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as a distinguished member of the 2021 class for his collegiate achievements.