Challenges Faced by Tony Romo: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Tony Romo. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Tony Romo is a former American football quarterback, playing 13 seasons in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illinois, winning the Walter Payton Award in 2002. Romo joined the Cowboys in 2003 as an undrafted free agent.

Sections (5)

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

2004: Romo fails to qualify for EDS Byron Nelson Championship

In 2004, Tony Romo attempted to qualify for the EDS Byron Nelson Championship but failed.

2005: Romo fails to qualify for U.S. Open

In 2005, Tony Romo attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open but failed.

January 6, 2007: NFC Wild Card Game Fumble

On January 6, 2007, during the NFC Wild Card Round game against the Seattle Seahawks, Tony Romo fumbled the snap on a potential game-winning field goal attempt, leading to a turnover and a loss for the Cowboys.

2008: Romo fails to make the cut in qualifying for Byron Nelson

In 2008, Tony Romo failed to make the cut in qualifying for Byron Nelson.

December 21, 2010: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 21, 2010, Tony Romo was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken left clavicle during a game. He was replaced by Jon Kitna.

2011: Broken Rib and Punctured Lung

During Week 2 of 2011 against the San Francisco 49ers, Tony Romo suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung but returned to the game, leading the Cowboys to a game-tying field goal and an overtime win. He earned the NFC's Offensive player of the Week Award for his performance.

April 2013: Romo undergoes back surgery

In April 2013, Tony Romo underwent back surgery to remove a cyst. The team characterized it as a minor procedure, but Romo ended up missing all of the mini-camp and organized team activities.

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

On December 27, 2013, Tony Romo underwent back surgery and was subsequently placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

2015: Romo Suffers Broken Collarbone

During a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, Tony Romo suffered a broken left collarbone, sidelining him for eight weeks. The Cowboys failed to win a single game with Brandon Weeden and then Matt Cassel as starting quarterback.

2016: Romo Sidelined with Compression Fracture

In 2016, Tony Romo was unable to start the regular season due to a compression fracture in his back sustained during a preseason game, causing him to miss the first 10 games.

2021: Romo faces broadcasting criticism and CBS intervention

During the 2021 NFL season, Tony Romo faced increased criticism of his broadcasting ability. Following the season, CBS staged an intervention believing that Romo's analysis had begun to regress.

2022: Criticism of Romo's broadcasting increases further

In 2022, criticism of Romo's broadcasting increased further during his sixth year as the lead play-by-play broadcaster for CBS. His analysis was described as inane, obvious, and sometimes nonsensical.