5 best quarterbacks in Dallas Cowboys history
By Randy Gurzi
TonyRomo. 3. 123. Scouting Report. QB. 2003-2016. player. Pick Analysis
Another player who should be commended for beating the odds but is somehow considered a disappointment by many is Tony Romo. Based on his collegiate experience and how he was viewed coming into the league in 2003, Romo should have never even been in the league. Still, he not only made it, but when he retired, he held the franchise record for yardage and touchdowns for the most popular team in the NFL.
Coming out of Eastern Illinois, Romo was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but not as a participant. Instead, he was there as “another combine arm,” being asked to throw the ball to receivers during their drills so the real quarterback prospects wouldn’t get tired.
However, he had some fans in the league who felt he could be worth a shot. Both Denver head coach Mike Shanahan and Dallas offensive coordinator Sean Payton wanted Romo — each paid close attention to him since they too were from Eastern Illinois.
Romo ended up choosing the Cowboys, where he got to work under Payton and head coach Bill Parcells. He sat on the bench for his first three seasons but then in 2006, he took over for Drew Bledsoe and never looked back.
The undrafted gun-slinger was electric from the beginning. He led Dallas to a 78-49 record and had some memorable moments including a win over Buffalo despite throwing five picks and what turned out to be the longest short-yardage gain in NFL history after he converted a 3rd-and-3 after the ball went 25-yards over his head.
ON THIS DAY in 2007 — On 3rd and 3, Tony Romo chases down a ball snapped 25 yards over his head and scrambles for a first down VS Rams #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/66chYMhSV5
— 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗦 (@TommySledge) September 30, 2020
These Houdini-esque plays from Romo made him loved by fans. However, he sadly never truly escaped his first playoff loss.
Facing Seattle following the 2006 season, Romo was still serving as the placeholder, even though he shouldn’t have been. Trying to score a go-ahead field goal, Dallas trotted out Martin Gramatica but Romo bobbled the snap and the Cowboys would go on to lose the game.
This never should have been a career-defining moment for an undrafted free agent who threw for 34,183 yards and 248 touchdowns, but thus is the life of the quarterback in Dallas.