Romo takes job at CBS as analyst
DALLAS — Tony Romo is leaving the Dallas Cowboys to replace another former quarterback, Phil Simms, as lead analyst for CBS.
The network announced Tuesday that Romo will be paired with Jim Nantz on Thursday night and Sunday games next season. The former 10-year Cowboys starter considered multiple network offers while also deciding whether to keep playing after losing the top job to rookie phenom Dak Prescott last season.
Romo was released by the Cowboys and said he had interest from other teams, but he chose to switch to broadcasting for several reasons. The married father of two young boys with another child on the way battled injuries the past two seasons, and he found the CBS opportunity difficult to pass up.
“It reminds me of my rookie year, where you really don’t know anything,” Romo said. “You’re walking into a brand-new situation and you can kind of play the game. I can kind of talk. But this is a completely different world. I like that challenge.”
The departure of the team’s all-time passing leader has been expected since November, when Romo conceded the job after missing 10 weeks with a back injury. The Cowboys were in the middle of a franchise-record 11-game winning streak led by Prescott when Romo returned.
The team’s delayed release of Romo, caused in part by Dallas looking for a trading partner this offseason, gave him time to consider his future.
While Romo — a fourtime Pro Bowler who rose to stardom after going undrafted in 2003 out of Football Championship Subdivision member Eastern Illinois — didn’t say he was retiring from football, he left little doubt his playing days were likely over.
“I could play tomorrow. I’m making this decision with the choice to be able to play as well,” said Romo, who turns 37 this month. “Do I envision coming back and playing football? Absolutely not. I’m committed to CBS for good. Do I think I’m going to get some calls? I’m sure I will.”
CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said the network planned to keep Simms and was working on finding another role for its lead analyst the past 19 seasons.