Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tony Romo

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

Tony Romo is a former American football quarterback who spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. After a successful college career at Eastern Illinois, where he won the Walter Payton Award, he joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Romo became the Cowboys' starting quarterback and held that position for several years, known for his passing ability and scrambling skills. He is now a football analyst for CBS Sports.

Sections (5)

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

1983: Breaking Passing Touchdown Record

During a Week 12 game, Tony Romo broke Danny White's record (29) from 1983, bringing his season total to 33 passing touchdowns.

1996: Starting as Quarterback

In 1996, Tony Romo started as quarterback for the Burlington High School Demons as a junior.

2001: Ohio Valley Conference Championship Appearance

In 2001, Tony Romo made an appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference championship while playing college football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

2003: Playoff Spot

In 2003, Tony Romo aided the Cowboys in clinching a playoff spot, their second since Parcells became coach.

2003: NFL Combine and Signing with Cowboys

In 2003, Tony Romo received a late invitation to the NFL Combine. Although he went undrafted, he was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys and entered training camp third on the depth chart.

2003: Signing with the Dallas Cowboys

In 2003, Tony Romo signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, marking the beginning of his NFL career.

2004: Winning Preseason Touchdown

In 2004, Tony Romo rushed for the winning touchdown in a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders as the third-string quarterback.

2004: Cowboys Roster Changes

In 2004, the Cowboys released Chad Hutchinson, signed Vinny Testaverde, and traded for Drew Henson. Romo faced being cut until Quincy Carter was released.

2005: Holder for Placekicks and Bledsoe Signing

In 2005, Tony Romo served as the holder for placekicks for the Cowboys. After Vinny Testaverde's departure, the Cowboys signed Drew Bledsoe as their starting quarterback.

2005: Elevated to Second Quarterback

In 2005, Tony Romo was elevated to the Cowboys' second quarterback.

2006: Becoming Cowboys' Primary Starter

In 2006, Tony Romo became the primary starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, a position he held until 2015.

2006: Saints' Draft Pick Offer

In the 2006 offseason, Sean Payton offered a third-round draft pick for Tony Romo, but Jerry Jones declined, asking for a second-round pick.

2006: Holding duties

Tony Romo resumed holding duties for the first time since 2006 after several kicks were missed by kicker Nick Folk due to bad holds by punter Mat McBriar.

January 6, 2007: Fumbled Snap in NFC Wild Card Game

On January 6, 2007, during the NFC Wild Card Round against the Seattle Seahawks, Tony Romo fumbled a snap as the holder for a field goal attempt, leading to a turnover and ultimately contributing to the Cowboys' loss. The Cowboys were trailing 21-20.

2007: Season Achievements and Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2007, Tony Romo had 4,211 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, earning a second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.

2007: Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2007, Tony Romo played in the Pro Bowl as a substitution for Marc Bulger after Drew Brees was injured. He threw a touchdown and an interception.

2007: Record for single season passing

In 2009, Tony Romo surpassed his record from 2007 for single season passing yardage, with 4,483 yards.

2009: Record-Breaking Season

In 2009, Tony Romo became the first quarterback in team history to take every snap for a full season. He passed his own mark for single season passing yardage, with 4,483 yards, and became the first Cowboys quarterback to throw more than 20 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions in a season.

December 21, 2010: Placement on Injured Reserve

On December 21, 2010, Tony Romo was placed on injured reserve and replaced by Jon Kitna.

March 29, 2013: Cowboys sign Romo to six-year extension

On March 29, 2013, the Cowboys signed Tony Romo to a six-year contract extension worth $108 million, with $55 million guaranteed and $25 million in bonuses. The deal secured Romo's future with the team and provided much-needed relief from salary cap pressure.

December 27, 2013: Romo undergoes back surgery, placed on injured reserve

On December 27, 2013, Tony Romo underwent back surgery and was placed on injured reserve. Kyle Orton was named the starting quarterback for the final game of the season.

2015: End of Starting Position

Tony Romo's time as the Cowboys' primary starter ended in 2015.

2016: Retirement and Hiring by CBS Sports

After the 2016 season, Tony Romo retired from the NFL due to a preseason back injury that led to him losing his starting position. Following his retirement, Romo was hired by CBS Sports to be the lead color analyst for their NFL telecasts.

January 1, 2017: Romo makes season debut in finale

On January 1, 2017, Tony Romo made his season debut in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the final play of his career, he threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.