Will Tony Romo’s unselfish act spark the Cowboys to a Super Bowl?
Following a sorrowful announcement by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, will his decision to support Dak Prescott as the starter be the spark that finally helps lead America’s Team back to the Super Bowl?
As Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo took to the podium during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon and began reading from a prepared statement, the atmosphere resembled that of a wake. Somber. It was as if someone had died. And maybe something did die. It might have been Romo’s future in Dallas.
Listening to the 36-year deliver a sort of eulogy to his 13-year career with America’s Team was sobering. And extremely conflicting for this lifelong Cowboys fan. On one hand, rookie Dak Prescott has done something this season rarely seen in professional sports. Romo recognizes that. On the other, stands a broken man who has been the bedrock of your beloved franchise going on a decade.
"“To say the first half of this season has been emotional would be a huge understatement,” Romo somberly read, his baseball cap partially covering his eyes, which were telling a deeply-meaningful story of their own. “Getting hurt when you feel like you have the best team you’ve had was a soul-crushing moment for me..”"
With every word, you wish this man could get just one real chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy while wearing a Dallas Cowboys uniform. And with every word you start to realize that’s unlikely to ever happen now.
"“You’ve been injured two years in a row, now in your mid-thirties,” Romo continued. “The press is whispering. Everyone has doubts. You’ve spent your whole career working to get here. Now, we have to start all over. You almost feel like an outsider. Coaches are sympathetic but they still have to coach — and you’re not there. It’s a dark place. Probably the darkest it’s ever been.”"
Romo is doing the honorable thing. Did you ever doubt he wouldn’t? Tony is publicly supporting Prescott and doing what he feels is best for the team. But not once did the veteran utter the word “back-up”. He can’t. That’s not who he is.
Tony Romo is a NFL starter. But he knows that’s not what the Cowboys need him to be right now. With a rookie quarterback under center, the Cowboys are on an eight-game winning streak and atop the NFL standings. And right now, the team doesn’t need any distractions.
"“Dak Prescott, and what he’s done, he’s earned the right to be our quarterback,” Romo said. “As hard as that is for me to say, he’s earned that right. He’s guided our team to an 8-1 record, and that’s hard to do.”"
Romo has decided the controversy ends here. He was Dak Prescott once. Now, he’ll help his successor be the best player he can be. It’s an unselfish act that should have a positive ripple effect throughout the entire organization. But could it be the spark that finally leads the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl? It very well could.
With a terrific mix of youth, energy and experience, this team’s chemistry was already through the roof. With Romo’s actions today, it’s likely to skyrocket. If their leader is willing to put his own ego aside for the betterment of the team, the same will likely be reflected be every other member of this young and talented Dallas Cowboys team.
Next: The Dallas Cowboys are the best team in the NFL
Although most victories come on game days, Romo’s sacrifice was a big win for the entire Dallas Cowboys organization today. Tony Romo scores again.