Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback-turned-lead game analyst, is set to call his third Super Bowl for CBS on Sunday, February 11. Since his debut in 2017, Romo’s energetic and eccentric style has both impressed and frustrated NFL onlookers. However, behind the scenes, Romo has been coached to “calm down a little bit” during his broadcasts, according to CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus.
McManus explained in a recent interview that Romo’s unique approach to analysis sets him apart from traditional analysts. Romo’s passion for the game often leads him to get extremely excited, which can be a positive aspect of his commentary. However, there have been instances where he needed to be reminded to tone it down.
Despite some criticism, McManus believes that the majority of people enjoy listening to Romo, alongside his broadcasting partners Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. McManus also emphasized that most of the criticism directed at Romo is undeserved.
For Romo, this upcoming Super Bowl will be particularly significant. It is an important opportunity for him to showcase his skills and prove his worth as a game analyst. Romo’s unique style and ability to connect with fans have made him a popular figure in the broadcasting world.
As the game approaches, fans and critics alike will be eagerly awaiting Romo’s analysis during the Super Bowl. His enthusiastic and fan-like approach to commentary has made him a polarizing figure, but there is no denying his impact on the way NFL games are analyzed and enjoyed by viewers.
In February 2023, Tony Romo faced criticism from CBS after concerns were raised about his lack of preparation. Andrew Marchand of the New York Post revealed on “The Sports Media Podcast” that CBS had attempted an offseason “intervention” with Romo in 2022. Despite their efforts, Romo’s performance did not improve.
Despite the criticism, CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus continues to defend Romo, stating that the negative feedback he receives is mostly undeserved and subjective. McManus believes that social media can amplify negativity and create a self-fulfilling prophecy. He also noted that those who appreciate Romo’s work are less likely to voice their support on social media.
Jim Nantz, Romo’s on-air partner, has been working alongside him since 2017. Nantz expressed his admiration for Romo and their strong chemistry. He mentioned that they have a lot of fun together and often bring humor to their broadcasts, although it doesn’t always resonate with the audience.
Al Michaels, another legendary broadcaster, shared his perspective on Romo’s public perception. He compared Romo’s popularity to being the “flavor of the month.” Michaels believes that public opinion is subjective and can change rapidly. He mentioned that currently, Greg Olsen is receiving a similar level of attention.
Romo himself acknowledges the ebb and flow of public opinion. He compared it to the arc of a career, where one becomes dominant in their field and then experiences a shift in public sentiment. He noted that it is a normal occurrence and compared it to Tiger Woods’ career, where he faced both criticism and support.
Romo’s journey to NFL broadcasting stardom began in September 2017 when he accurately predicted several plays during a Raiders-Titans matchup. However, in recent years, there has been a growing anti-Romo sentiment on social media.
Despite the criticism, Romo remains passionate and enthusiastic during his broadcasts. He often exclaims with excitement, particularly in the fourth quarter of games.
Romo’s Controversial Comments and Viral Moments
In a shocking turn of events, former Cowboys player Tony Romo found himself in hot water in 2021. Romo faced backlash for his overly complimentary commentary towards his former team. Fans were quick to criticize him for his biased remarks.
Fast forward to January 2023, and Romo once again made headlines for all the wrong reasons. During a Bengals-Chiefs game, some fans believed that Romo stopped himself short of uttering a racial slur. The incident sparked outrage and further fueled the ongoing debate surrounding Romo’s professionalism.
But it wasn’t just controversial comments that landed Romo in the tabloids. During Dallas’ Thanksgiving game in 2023, Romo went viral for his thoughts on Dolly Parton’s iconic Cowboys cheerleading outfit. The outfit had already gained significant attention, and Romo’s commentary only added fuel to the fire.
It seems that Romo has a soft spot for Dolly Parton. In December 2023, he unintentionally caused an uproar among Taylor Swift’s fanbase, known as the Swifties. Romo mistakenly referred to Taylor Swift as the “wife” of Chiefs TE Travis Kelce not once, but twice within a week. This blunder did not sit well with Swift’s loyal fans, who were quick to express their disappointment.
Even ESPN college football icon Paul Finebaum couldn’t resist joining the criticism. During a caller’s question on The Paul Finebaum Show, Finebaum expressed his disbelief at Romo’s presence on the airwaves. He questioned Romo’s knowledge and expertise, stating that he clearly did not know what he was talking about.
It seems that Romo’s career as a sports commentator has been marred by controversy and questionable remarks. Whether it’s his biased commentary, potential racial insensitivity, or accidental misidentifications, Romo continues to find himself in the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. Only time will tell if he can redeem himself and regain the trust of fans and critics alike.
According to the Source heavy.com