Tony Romo's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tony Romo. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1983: Danny White's Record

In 1983, Danny White had a record, which was broken in Week 12 37–27 victory over the Green Bay Packers in 2007.

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.

2003: Helped Cowboys Clinch Playoff Spot

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

2004: Winning Touchdown in Preseason Game

In 2004, Tony Romo, as the third-string quarterback, rushed for the winning touchdown in a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, marking one of his early career highlights.

2006: Higher Passer Rating

From 2006, Tony Romo held a higher passer rating in the fourth quarter than any other NFL quarterback.

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.

2007: Finished Season with Playoff Qualification and Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2007, Tony Romo concluded the season with the Cowboys finishing atop the NFC East with a 13-3 record and qualifying for the playoffs. He earned 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' elbow injury. He threw a touchdown and an interception.

2007: Surpassed own record.

Tony Romo's eight 300-yard games were also a team record, surpassing his own record from 2007.

October 17, 2009: Jersey Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction

On October 17, 2009, Eastern Illinois University retired Tony Romo's No. 17 jersey and inducted him into EIU's Hall of Fame.

2009: Record-Breaking Season

Tony Romo finished the 2009 season as the first quarterback in team history to take every snap for a full season. He set new marks 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.

2011: Ranked in NFL Top 100

Despite his limited playing time due to injury, Tony Romo was ranked 72nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Broken Rib and Punctured Lung

During Week 2 of 2011, Tony Romo suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung. Romo came back in the final seconds of the third quarter and played the fourth quarter throwing for a touchdown and driving down the field for the game-tying field goal with four seconds left in the game to force overtime. For his performance in this game, Romo earned the NFC's Offensive player of the Week Award.

2011: High Quarterback Rating

In 2011, Tony Romo's 102.5 quarterback rating was fourth best in the league and second highest in Cowboys history.

2011: Contribution to Team Touchdowns

In the 2011 NFL season, Tony Romo accounted for 32 of the 39 total touchdowns the Cowboys scored (82.1%). He finished the 2011 season with 4,184 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

2012: Ranked as Ninth Best Quarterback

In 2012, Daniel Jeremiah, an NFL.com analyst, ranked Tony Romo as the ninth best quarterback in the league.

2012: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2012, Tony Romo was ranked 91st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2013: End of Passer Rating Dominance

In 2013, Tony Romo's run of holding the highest passer rating in the fourth quarter among all NFL quarterbacks came to an end.

2014: Romo Ranked 71st in NFL Top 100

In 2014, Tony Romo was ranked 71st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

December 7, 2021: College Football Hall of Fame Induction

On December 7, 2021, Tony Romo was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2021 class, solidifying his legacy in college football.