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, 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

1983: Romo Breaks Touchdown Record

During a Week 12 game against the Green Bay Packers in 2007, Tony Romo threw his 33rd touchdown of the season, breaking Danny White's record of 29 from 1983.

1997: Demons Season and Honors

In 1997, Tony Romo and the Burlington High School Demons concluded the season with a 3–6 record. Romo received recognition on the All-Racine County football team and earned Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State first team honors.

2000: Romo's Sophomore Season at Eastern Illinois

In 2000, as a sophomore at Eastern Illinois University, Tony Romo ranked second in Division I-AA in passing efficiency, completing 164 of 278 passes for 2,583 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was named an All-America honorable mention, an All-Ohio Valley Conference member, and the OVC Player of the Year.

October 14, 2002: OVC Player of the Week

On October 14, 2002, Tony Romo was named OVC Player of the Week after leading Eastern Illinois to a 25–24 win over Eastern Kentucky with an eight-yard scramble on the last play of the game.

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 annually to the top Division I-AA football player. He finished his career holding school and conference records with 85 touchdown passes.

September 2007: Romo Named NFC Offensive Player of the Month

In September 2007, Tony Romo earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors. During the season-opening game, he threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns against the New York Giants, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He also dealt with his father's prostate cancer diagnosis during this period.

2007: Romo Plays in the Pro Bowl

In 2007, Tony Romo participated in the Pro Bowl as a substitute for Marc Bulger, who replaced Drew Brees due to injury. Romo threw a touchdown and an interception and served as the NFC's kickoff holder during the game.

2007: Cowboys Season and Pro Bowl Nomination

Tony Romo finished the 2007 season with 4,211 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, leading the Cowboys to the top of the NFC East with a 13–3 record and a playoff berth. He also earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.

2007: Romo's Past Record

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

October 17, 2009: EIU 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 during homecoming weekend. Romo became the first Eastern Illinois player to have his number retired.

2009: Cowboys win first divisional title since 2009

In 2009, Romo lead the Cowboys to a 12-4 record and their first divisional title since 2009.

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, setting a new record for single season passing yardage with 4,483 yards.

2011: NFL Top 100 Ranking

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 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.

2011: High Quarterback Rating

In 2011, Tony Romo achieved a 102.5 quarterback rating, placing him fourth best in the league and second highest in Cowboys history.

2011: Percentage of Team Touchdowns

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

2012: Ranked Among League Quarterbacks

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

2012: NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

2014: Romo ranked 71st on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2014, Tony Romo was ranked 71st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, recognizing his performance and contributions to the league.

2015: Romo finishes 3rd in MVP voting and ranked 34th on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2015, Romo led the NFL in completion percentage and passer rating en route to the NFC East title. He finished tied for 3rd in MVP voting. He was ranked 34th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015. He was the highest undrafted player on the year's list.

2017: Romo Receives Praise as Broadcaster

Once the 2017 NFL season got underway, Tony Romo received critical praise for his work as a recent ex-player, most notably for his ability to predict offensive plays and read defensive formations from the booth.

July 2018: Romo Wins American Century Championship

In July 2018, Tony Romo won the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament.

2018: Romo and Nantz call Super Bowl LIII

In 2018, Romo and Nantz called Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta. Romo and Nantz received further acclaim for their broadcasting of the 2018 AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots.