Tony Romo replies to bullied fan via Twitter, follows her
Replying to a video of a Dallas Cowboys fan who was a victim of cyberbullying, former quarterback Tony Romo tweets her a message of support.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned color analyst for CBS, Tony Romo, doesn’t use Twitter all that often. Despite only posting as total of 40 times since joining in back April of 2008, he has a whopping 422,000 followers. But Romo only follows 20 people himself on Twitter. And now one of those people is his self-proclaimed biggest fan, Rachel Rizzuti.
Earlier this week, Rizzuti posted a heartbreaking video about the cyberbullying she has had to deal due to being a Romo fan. The San Diego resident cited an incident where she shared a photo recently showing off her numerous Tony Romo jerseys in a tweet, only to receive several negative comments in reply. One even apparently implying she may have a mental illness due to her proclaimed fandom.
All of this happened because I posted a photo of my @tonyromo Jerseys. That’s why I made the video yesterday. I don’t deserve this. All I did post a pic of my Jerseys what’s so bad about that. Words hurt no matter what. Please don’t be a cyber bully it’s not cool pic.twitter.com/hQcpowXJRW
— 🌈Drew Cash Rizzuti🌈 (@Rizzuti09) December 28, 2017
We all know the internet can be a harsh place. But for Rizzuti, the bullying seemed unfair. To express her feelings, she made a video asking why she was being bullied for simply expressing her passion.
"“I may be weird. I may be a Romo fan. But why does that give people the right to bully me? Why do I have to be bullied because I’m a Romo fan?,” asked Rizzuti in her response video on Twitter. “Just because I’m not afraid to show my passion to the world, I deserve to be bullied because of that?”"
Why Do I deserve to be bullied on Twitter because I’m a @tonyromo fan Why is it ok to call me Crazy saying I have a mental illness when you dont even know me and know my Story Why is that ok. I’ve been bullied my entire life and I feel so alone Like I have no one Its a Dark Place pic.twitter.com/o03MWkEKKd
— 🌈Drew Cash Rizzuti🌈 (@Rizzuti09) December 28, 2017
Rizzuti went on to express how lonely she often is and how being a fan of the former Cowboys quarterback makes her happy. Following the release of that video on Wednesday, an outpouring of love and support has been sent Rachel’s way from Cowboy fans, fellow Romo fans and members of the media.
But the best response was from Tony Romo himself.
You stay strong Rachel. They come and they go. You have special qualities that many people can see even through your twitter feed. Don’t underestimate how many people appreciate you. God has you. Trust him. Merry Xmas
— Tony Romo (@tonyromo) December 28, 2017
As you can imagine, Rizzuti was exuberant to get a message of support from Romo on Thursday. A fan getting a word of encouragement from their hero is probably the greatest gift someone can receive during the lonely holiday season.
Merry Christmas Tony Thank You So Much for the Kind Words. OMG OMG I'm crying right now
— 🌈Drew Cash Rizzuti🌈 (@Rizzuti09) December 28, 2017
Not only did Romo reply to Rizzuti’s tweet, but he also elected to follow her on Twitter. The Cowboy legend only follows a handful of individuals. Names like Tiger Woods, Dez Bryant and Jimmy Kimmel. Well, now you can add Rachel Rizzuti to that exclusive list. And when she found out …
All the Emotions of your hero following you on Twitter. Thank You so much @tonyromo for being a Friend to me. You honestly have no idea how much it means. You literally made my entire life. Wow I’m speechless right now. Thank you so much 9 pic.twitter.com/6x4DEie0za
— 🌈Drew Cash Rizzuti🌈 (@Rizzuti09) December 29, 2017
Next: Ranking Tony Romo’s Best Seasons In Dallas
Tony Romo is known for being a man of high character on and off-the-field. And though he continues to occupy one of the most popular positions in the sporting world, Romo still made the time to reach out to a hurting fan. And I’m fairly certain Rachel hasn’t heard the last from old #9. He’s following her on Twitter after all.