Sean Martin
“Dak Prescott has earned the right to be our quarterback, as hard as that is for me to say.” – Tony Romo
With these words, along with many other powerful statements made by Tony Romo in his address to the media yesterday, a changing of the guard happened at the most scrutinized position in sports – quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.
Out was Tony Romo, the man who embodied this scrutiny over the course of a decade as this team’s starter – rising to the occasion each time to keep America’s Team relevant through some tough stretches.
In was Dak Prescott, an almost mythical rookie who’s said all the right things over the course of his nine starts, including the constant reiteration that this was in fact Tony’s team. Now, it is his team, because Romo himself has seen enough in the fourth round draft pick.
Not only was this a tough pill to swallow for Cowboys Nation, and the football community alike, but it was a moment in time that brought me to a greater realization when it comes to the amazing football team I’ve cheered for since coming into this world on the day they won Super Bowl XXX.
I love Tony Romo, but more importantly, I love the Dallas Cowboys. You CAN (and should) love both.
Tony Romo has always been my quarterback. He always will be my quarterback. There is simply no way to rightfully put into words how much his presence on this team has meant to me, as the only quarterback I’ve known growing up a Cowboys fan.
For the longest time, the Dallas Cowboys were my football team, and they were Romo’s team – making Romo my quarterback that I would fight to the death to defend. Now, Dak Prescott’s team is still my team – and they always will be.
Prescott has this team in first place, and I’ve enjoyed every second of this truly remarkable 2016 season thus far. I’ve realized that, because of my clear love for Romo, I’ve overlooked other greats like Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, or DeMarcus Ware.
For a while, those stars were all just part of Tony Romo’s team. They helped Tony Romo win, instead of helping their team win.
Now, 53 players call themselves Dallas Cowboys, and I can proudly say I support them all as members of my football team. Anyone that runs out onto a football field with the greatest logo in the world strapped on their head has my full support, not just Romo.
It is perfectly alright to irrationally love Tony Romo more than any other athlete you’ve ever respected. I’ve certainly been there and done that. It is also in your best interest to love any quarterback that can win games as the starter in Dallas, which Prescott is certainly doing right now.
I am a firm believer that we are all part of teams throughout our life. You have your family, your classmates, your co-workers, and friends. These teams often work best as a cohesive unit that understands their roles on the team.
Tony Romo, one of the greatest players to ever wear the star, reduced his role on his team to a backup QB behind Prescott – in the best interest of this team.
I support Tony Romo’s decision, and now I support Dak Prescott as the starting quarterback of my football team. Tony was right, he deserves this.
Let’s go beat the Ravens. For Tony Romo. For Dak Prescott. For America’s Team.
Tell us what you think about “What Dak Prescott Has Made Me Realize About Being a Cowboys Fan” in the comments below. You can also email me at Sean.Martin@InsideTheStar.com, or Tweet to me at @SeanMartinNFL!
