So…Tony Romo Doesn’t Sound Like A Leader?
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
This past week, Dallas Cowboy’s $108 million QB, Tony Romo finally talked with the media. He spoke for a few minutes, answering questions about the cyst he had removed, when he’s going to start practicing, about how the rookies looked, about putting in Peyton Manning time and who’s calling the plays. Romo answered those questions the same way he always has since he became the starting QB for the Dallas Cowboys – assertive, diplomatic, a little sarcastic and, mostly, vague.
Romo sounded like the Cowboy’s spokesman, but did he sound like a leader?
Apparently, a few members of the sports media were hoping to here a brand new Tony Romo. They were hoping for something in his tone, or how he spoke about his involvement in the game planning. Something that would sound more befitting of $108 million or at least what a leader sounds like to them. But, alas, he sounded like the same old Romo.
I listened to Tony Romo’s conversation with the press and, before that, some of his interaction with the coaches and players at the Cowboys OTA’s. Looked like he was advising and directing players and consulting with coaches, you know, like a team leader would. Also looked like everyone was listening to him, no issue of due respect. To me, just a fan, he sounded like a veteran QB, confident in his role as the starter and leader of the team. Sure, as I said before, he wasn’t direct with the sports media, coming off vague and he spoke in ‘we’ instead of ‘I’, but Romo always has.
May 21, 2013; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) talks with receiver Dez Bryant (88) and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson during organized team activities at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nothing new for Tony Romo, except there was a little more serious determination in his voice. That, and he mentioned that he worked on improving his mechanics this offseason, like he always does, and that he’s going to work individually with his players to improve their connection (which was seriously lacking last year). Romo also said he isn’t an ‘average’ QB and the Dallas Cowboys aren’t an ‘average’ team. That was good enough for me – for now, especially that last part about not being average. For Romo, that’s down right boastful and good for him.
To me, actions speak louder than words. I’d rather Tony Romo be a leader, than just sound like one.
In one article recently, it was suggested that Romo should be more like Pittsburgh Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger. Not for Big Ben’s QB skills (which I could understand, like Romo – but more successful – Big Ben is one of the last of the ‘gunslingers’), but for how he conducts himself. Really?, The guy who was suspended for 4 games by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy? That and I’ve met Ben, at a night club of all places, and let me tell you, he’s an ass. Anyway, my personal beliefs aside, who cares if Big Ben ‘sounds’ like the leader of his team. Whats the point of comparing them in that way? I don’t really care about the Steelers. I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan.
It’s not important who’s calling the plays. It’s not important that Tony Romo isn’t saying the right things to the media. It’s not important, no matter what Cowboy’s owner, Jerry Jones says, that Romo be like Peyton Manning. The only thing that is important is winning, making a playoff run, with Romo leading them. Actions speak louder than words.