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 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

April 21, 1980: Tony Romo's Birth

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

1996: Starting as Quarterback

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

1997: All-Racine County and All-State Honors

In the 1997 season, Tony Romo earned All-Racine County football team and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State first team honors while playing for the Burlington High School Demons.

1998: All-Racine County Team

In 1998, Tony Romo joined Caron Butler on the All-Racine County (Wisconsin) team while playing basketball.

2000: Ranked Second in Division I-AA

In 2000, as a sophomore at Eastern Illinois University, Tony Romo ranked second in Division I-AA in passing efficiency.

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

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 to the top Division I-AA football player.

September 2007: NFC Offensive Player of the Month and Father's Diagnosis

In September 2007, Tony Romo earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month. Also in September 2007, Romo's father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite the personal crisis, Romo focused on his career.

May 28, 2011: Romo marries Candice Crawford

On May 28, 2011, Tony Romo married Candice Crawford, a former Miss Missouri USA, a journalist for Dallas television and the sister of actor Chace Crawford. They had been dating since the summer of 2009 and got engaged on December 16, 2010.

April 2013: Romo undergoes back surgery

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

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.

February 2018: Romo receives sponsor's exemption for PGA Tour event

In February 2018, Tony Romo received a sponsor's exemption to play in the PGA Tour's Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.