Iron Man Tony Romo Fights to Save Dallas
Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) watches a play while on the sidelines during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Add superhero to Tony Romo’s resume.
Romo was simply extraordinary when he had to run for his life. The man is still in one piece. He’s radioactive. He’s superhuman.
The sky fell in Dallas. It crumbled. Right before our eyes. But Tony stood. He managed the best he could. He ran right. He ran left. The ball somehow, someway, still left his hands.
The Dallas Cowboys finished 8-8. It’s true. But the Cowboys accomplished what many believed impossible before the season even began: The team remained competitive to the very last snap of December.
The 2012 Dallas narrative seemed predictable. Nobody was looking for the team to contend for a division title — let alone make the playoffs. Yet, there stood Tony Romo.
Running. Dashing. Throwing.
And now, coming soon to a theater near you, Romo battles to save Dallas. There will be blood. And Lions. Tigers and bears. Ugly Redskins too, who however, are no longer two bye weeks.
Meet Our Villain
As Tony Romo quarterbacks to save Dallas, he must save Dallas from Dallas.
The villain is an insider. He is a Pac-Man, ego eating monster. He is known as Jerry Jones.
Welcome.
Tony Romo has 55 million reasons to live. And thanks to the villain, Tony Romo has 55 million reason to run for his life. The general manager neglected Tony (See: 2013 draft selections). He left Tony for dead with no line support.
Tony Romo’s 108 million dollar contract extension was more like a thank you note for all the trouble the owner has put him through. It also serves as a thank you note for all the trouble he will put him through for years to come.
But superheroes fight with what they got. Considering what cards were given to Romo, it is absolutely amazing there was still some color in the team during the last football weeks.
Dallas might be deserted. Perhaps quiet, these days. But what lurks in the air is beyond stat sheets and murmurs from critics: it is the air of hope.
You can send a thank you note to Tony Romo for that.
Supporting Cast and Sidekicks
Quarterbacks can’t tackle and catch the ball; it’s a team sport. Superheroes can’t do it all alone. Batman has Robin. It even took a league of Avengers to save New York City from aliens. See.
If Batman is to Robin, than Tony Romo is to running back. DeMarco Murray? Doesn’t really matter. Choose any three on the depth chart. Heck, another free agent name packing groceries now will do.
It doesn’t matter. The Dallas Cowboys must run the ball.
Tony Romo attempted 648 passes. Only two other quarterbacks tossed more. That’s Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford. Like Romo, neither players made the playoffs.
Tony Romo must do more by doing less. The Cowboys cannot ask him to throw til kingdom come. If that’s the case, if Romo shall throw often, that means the supporting cast is not in place.
Before you run the ball, you need a line to open holes for the running back. When the team can run the ball, the team can throw the ball.
This is the easy part; you don’t need superhero qualities to understand it.
Where I End You Begin
Heroes do fail. Batman did. Superman had challenges. But heroes find a way to leave the story with a happy ending. Even in the darkest nights.
And it’s really dark in Dallas. Tony knows this. Sometimes, that’s when superheroes come out to play. There’s never been a better time for Tony Romo to suit up and become a superhero. Never. Cyst or no cyst.
It’s time to go.
Dallas is calling for their hero.