Early Life and Education of Tony Romo: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tony Romo. From birth to education, explore key events.

Tony Romo is a former American football quarterback, renowned for his 13-season career with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He went undrafted in 2003 but signed with Dallas and became their starting quarterback. Before his NFL career, Romo excelled at Eastern Illinois University, leading the team to an Ohio Valley Conference championship appearance in 2001 and winning the Walter Payton Award in 2002.

Sections (5)

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

April 21, 1980: Tony Romo's Birth

On April 21, 1980, Antonio Ramiro Romo, later known as Tony Romo, was born. He would grow up to become an American professional football quarterback.

1996: Started as Quarterback

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

1997: All-State Honors

In the 1997 season, Tony Romo earned several honors, including All-Racine County football team and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State first team honors.

1998: All-Racine County Team

In 1998, Tony Romo joined Caron Butler on the All-Racine County (Wisconsin) team. He also graduated from Burlington High School with 1,080 points, which was the all-time scoring record for the Burlington basketball varsity.

2000: Sophomore Season at Eastern Illinois University

In 2000, during his sophomore season at Eastern Illinois University, Tony Romo ranked second in Division I-AA in passing efficiency, and was honored 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 made an appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference championship while playing college football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

October 14, 2002: OVC Player of the Week Honors

On October 14, 2002, Tony Romo earned OVC Player of the Week honors after leading Eastern Illinois to a 25-24 win over Eastern Kentucky.

December 19, 2002: Walter Payton Award Winner

On December 19, 2002, Tony Romo became the first player in Eastern Illinois and Ohio Valley Conference history to win the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top Division I-AA football player.

September 2007: NFC Offensive Player of the Month

In September 2007, Tony Romo earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors. Romo's father was also diagnosed with prostate cancer that month.

December 16, 2010: Romo and Crawford become engaged

On December 16, 2010, Tony Romo and Candice Crawford became engaged, solidifying their relationship.

May 28, 2011: Romo marries Candice Crawford

On May 28, 2011, Tony Romo married Candice Crawford, a former journalist for Dallas television station KDAF and the sister of actor Chace Crawford.

April 9, 2012: Birth of Hawkins Crawford Romo

On April 9, 2012, Tony Romo and Candice Crawford welcomed their first son, Hawkins Crawford Romo.

April 2013: Romo undergoes back surgery

In April 2013, Tony Romo underwent back surgery to remove a cyst. Although considered a minor procedure by the team, he missed all mini-camp and organized team activities in 2013 as a result.

December 27, 2013: Romo undergoes back surgery

On December 27, 2013, Tony Romo underwent back surgery and was placed on injured reserve.

March 18, 2014: Birth of Rivers Romo

On March 18, 2014, Tony Romo and Candice Crawford welcomed their second son, Rivers Romo.

April 4, 2017: Romo announces NFL retirement

On April 4, 2017, Tony Romo announced his retirement from the NFL and was released by the Cowboys. Following his retirement, Mark Cuban announced that Romo would be a "Maverick for a day" for the Mavericks' final home game of their 2016–17 season.