Dick Vermeil would take Tony Romo without hesitation
Former Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil would add Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to his team without hesitation.
Earlier this week, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo made it very clear. Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott deserves to start under center for America’s Team over him. But that doesn’t mean the competitive fire within the former 36-year old starter has been extinguished.
During his now famous press conference on Tuesday, Romo expressed his continued desire to play. But he also admitted to realizing the fact Prescott had lead the Cowboys to an 8-1 start. And that the 23-year old rookie had earned the right to play ahead of him. It was obviously a hard pill to swallow for the prideful veteran. But it was also the right thing to do for the team.
Following Romo’s announcement, other NFL players, his teammates, media and fans alike flooded social media with praise for the veteran gunslinger. For Romo, to have such his chance to play with this very talented team ripped away from him due to injury was and is heartbreaking. And for him to publicly admit his diminished role due to their current high-level of play with someone else under center took courage.
And it was that courage that connected with several spectators during Romo’s press conference on Tuesday. Some of who could potentially be future employers. Former Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil was one of those spectators.
"“That was touching. Very touching.” Vermeil told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show Wednesday when asked about Romo’s statements. “I don’t know how many Tony Romo’s there are, but I think we have some coming up. You know the greatest thing you can be is a guy like him. Is a good example. Especially for the next guy. You know we got the Brady’s, the Brees’, the Roethlisberger’s. Their all going to be put in the same position soon. And what a great example. What a great message.”"
Although the press conference itself sounded more like a eulogy to Romo’s career, the 14-year veteran made it obvious he still wants to play. Unfortunately, if Prescott continues to progress in Dallas it will unlikely be with the Cowboys next season. And it’s not because the Dallas brass wouldn’t want to keep him around either. It would likely be because Romo wants to be a starter.
According to Vermeil, there shouldn’t be any problem finding potential trade partners for the veteran quarterback. Especially in a league that requires winning, and doing so quickly and often, in order to keep your job.
"“Without hesitation,” Vermeil responded when asked if he was still coach of a NFL franchise, would he bring Romo onto his team. “There is no such thing as a long future in the national football league. You better win. That’s all there is to it. Without hesitation. Why? Because of the person he is, and what he will bring beyond his performance as a player to your entire roster. Special.”"
Vermeil also believes the 36-year old Romo still has three or four real good years of football left in him. The bigger question is how healthy will the veteran be through those years? Last year, Romo was forced to miss 12 games due to two separate collarbone injuries. And the aging veteran has yet to play a meaningful game this season due to suffering a compression fracture in his lower back in the Cowboys third preseason game.
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The Denver Broncos, the New York Jets, the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears have all been rumored places where Romo might land next season. But the future hasn’t been written yet. And there are plenty of games yet to be played this season. For now, Romo will back-up Prescott in Dallas. But honestly, that’s one bad game, play or hit away from changing. No one understands that better than Romo.