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, 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

April 21, 1980: Tony Romo Born

On April 21, 1980, Antonio Ramiro Romo, who would become a professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was born.

1998: Romo's High School Achievements

In 1998, Tony Romo excelled in both football and basketball at Burlington High School, earning All-Racine County honors alongside Caron Butler. He was scouted by mid-major basketball programs and concluded his basketball career with a school-record 1,080 points, before graduating.

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.

2008: Candice Crawford is Miss Missouri USA

In 2008, Candice Crawford, who later married Tony Romo, was Miss Missouri USA.

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 16, 2010: Romo and Crawford engaged

Tony Romo and Candice Crawford became engaged on December 16, 2010.

May 28, 2011: Romo Marries Candice Crawford

On May 28, 2011, Tony Romo married Candice Crawford, the 2008 Miss Missouri USA.

April 9, 2012: Hawkins Crawford Romo born

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. 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.

March 18, 2014: Rivers Romo born

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

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: Maverick for a day

Following his retirement in 2017, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced that Romo would be a "Maverick for a day" for the Mavericks' final home game of their 2016–17 season. He warmed up with the team and sat in full uniform on the bench, but did not play in the game and was not considered an official member of the roster.

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.

January 1, 2017: Romo's Final Play in NFL

On January 1, 2017, Romo made his season debut in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. In what would prove to be the final play of his career, Romo threw a three-yard touchdown to Terrance Williams before Mark Sanchez played for the rest of the game.

August 23, 2017: Jones McCoy Romo born

On August 23, 2017, Tony Romo and Candice Crawford welcomed their third son, Jones McCoy Romo.

February 2018: Romo Receives Sponsor's Exemption for PGA Tour

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 from March 22–25.