Romo retires; will work for CBS


Associated Press

DALLAS

Tony Romo is retiring from the Dallas Cowboys to replace another former quarterback in Phil Simms as lead analyst for CBS.

The network announced Tuesday that Romo will be paired with Jim Nantz on Thursday night and Sunday games next season. The former 10-year starter considered multiple network offers while also deciding whether to keep playing after losing the Dallas job to rookie Dak Prescott last season.

Romo was released by the Cowboys and said he had interest from other teams, but chose the switch to broadcasting for several reasons.

The married father of two young boys with another child on the way battled injuries his last two seasons, and said the CBS opportunity was difficult to pass up.

“It reminds me of my rookie year where you really don’t know anything,” Romo said. “You’re walking into a brand new situation and you can kinda play the game. I can kinda talk. But this is a completely different world. I like that challenge.”

The departure of the team’s all-time passing leader has been expected since November, when Romo conceded the job after missing 10 weeks with a back injury.

The delayed release, caused in part by Dallas looking for a trading partner, gave Romo time to consider his future.

The four-time Pro Bowler who rose to stardom after going undrafted in 2003 out of lower-division Eastern Illinois chose the path taken by two former Dallas quarterbacks — Don Meredith and Super Bowl winner and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, the lead analyst for Fox since 2002.

While Romo didn’t say he was retiring from football, he left little doubt that his playing days were likely over.

“I could play tomorrow. I’m making this decision with the choice to be able to play as well,” said Romo, who turns 37 this month.

“Do I envision coming back and playing football? Absolutely not. I’m committed to CBS for good. Do I think I’m going to get some calls? I’m sure I will.”

CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said the network planned to keep Simms and was working on finding another role for their lead analyst the past 19 seasons.

Romo, who was signed through 2019, had a $14 million base salary and a $24.7 million salary cap hit for the Cowboys this season.

The expected roster move will reduce Dallas’ cap hit to about $19 million, likely spread over two seasons.

Romo said his release was a financial consideration — he would have had to repay a portion of his signing bonus upon retirement — and praised owner Jerry Jones despite his former boss backing out of a plan to release Romo before free agency opened.

“As an organization, we did what he asked us to do in terms of his release, and we wanted to do what was ultimately in his best interest and in the best interest of his family,” Jones said.

“He is a young man who is just getting started on a long journey in life. All the best, my friend.”

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