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 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

1983: Breaking Passing Touchdown Record

During a Week 12 game, Tony Romo broke Danny White's record (29) from 1983, bringing his season total to 33 passing touchdowns.

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.

2004: Winning Preseason Touchdown

In 2004, Tony Romo rushed for the winning touchdown in a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders as the third-string quarterback.

2006: Higher Passer Rating

From 2006 to 2013, Tony Romo held a higher passer rating in the fourth quarter than any other NFL quarterback.

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.

2007: Season Achievements and Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2007, Tony Romo had 4,211 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, earning 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 was injured. He threw a touchdown and an interception.

2007: Record for single season passing

In 2009, Tony Romo surpassed his record from 2007 for single season passing yardage, with 4,483 yards.

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

On October 17, 2009, during homecoming weekend, Eastern Illinois University retired Tony Romo's No. 17 jersey and inducted him into EIU's Hall of Fame. Romo is the first Eastern Illinois player to have his number retired.

2009: Record-Breaking Season

In 2009, Tony Romo became the first quarterback in team history to take every snap for a full season. He passed his own mark 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: NFL Top 100 Ranking

Despite 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 play in the fourth quarter, leading the Cowboys to a game-tying field goal and an overtime victory. Romo earned the NFC's Offensive player of the Week Award.