Last Friday night, NFL Network featured former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo in the acclaimed “A Football Life” television series.
The episode brought back many thoughts and debates about the quarterback who became the face of the franchise in 2006. It was full of joyful memories, painful images, and great memories from good ol' #9 — Tony Romo.
At one point during the episode, Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones mentioned that Tony Romo would be in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor at AT&T Stadium.
This is one of the many discussions that has taken place in Cowboys Nation since Tony's retirement. And it seems we've finally gotten an answer.
Days after NFL Network's piece on the quarterback, Jerry Jones mentioned on 105.3 The Fan that he'd indeed honor Romo by inducting him to the Ring of Honor, although he didn't mention any timetable.
In the meantime, however, fans will not stop the everlasting debate.
So, allow me to share with you my two cents on the topic, and why I believe Tony Romo does deserve to have his name bestowed upon the Cowboys' home forever.
As we all know, Tony Romo leads the Dallas Cowboys franchise in touchdown passes (248) and yards thrown (34,183).
Romo also has the most game-winning drives in team history with 29, which ranks him 19th in the NFL since 1960.
The stats are impressive, there is no denying that, but these numbers won't tell you the whole story of Romo's polemical career. For that, we need to go beyond mere stats to discuss his time in the NFL.
Tony Romo may be the most controversial sports figure in the 21st century.
Being the quarterback of the most valuable sports franchise in the world is not an easy task. At the end of the day, his goal of bringing a sixth Lombardi Trophy to Dallas was never achieved.
As painful as that botched snap in Seattle may have been, the lack of a Super Bowl win — even an appearance — will always be the biggest thing that haunts his legacy.
In his very own words: “After all, they were depending on you to bring them a championship. That's what quarterbacks are supposed to do. That's how we are judged.”
When it comes to a fan base that knows how it feels to be at the very top of the league, expectations are higher.
Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman have combined for five Super Bowl wins, so naturally, that was always the standard for Tony Romo. It's a standard that was never met.
Even still, Tony Romo deserves to be inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
You see, even if he never got to wear a championship ring, he meant a lot to this franchise. He managed to make the Dallas Cowboys relevant year after year, even when the team was a disaster.
It didn't matter who was on the roster, as long as #9 was healthy and on the field, they had a legitimate chance to win the ballgame.
As a young fan, I have no clue what it feels like to watch my favorite team play in the Super Bowl. I can't even fathom what it's like.
And yet, every time the Cowboys were on TV, there I was. I watched the team because I knew they could win.
The main reason why? You guessed it. Tony Romo was in at QB.
There's an entire generation of fans who desperately love this football team because of Tony Romo.
This franchise, despite not reaching the big game for more than 20 years, is passionately followed by a large group of people thanks to him.
Romo was electric on the field. He made epic throws and was one of the best at moving around in the pocket and keeping plays alive.
Unfortunately, for most of his years playing in Dallas, the Cowboys featured a very poor supporting cast. He even played for three different head coaches. He had to carry the team because for years he had shaky offensive lines and poor defenses.
Think about when he suffered a punctured lung and still finished the game, the 2013 Broncos shootout, and the 2014 comeback versus the Washington Redskins.
All those great moments, thanks to Romo.
I'll never put the lack of a sixth Cowboys' Super Bowl ring solely on his back. And that missing accomplishment will never justify omitting Tony Romo from the Ring of Honor.
“If I had to list my number one disappointment since owning the Cowboys, it would be not to have gotten Tony Romo to a Super Bowl.” Jerry Jones on 105.3 The Fan.
Tony Romo deserves to be remembered by Cowboys Nation. He always elevated the level of play of those around him and he gave it all for this franchise.
He was an awesome player, a great teammate, and one hell of a leader.
Sure, Romo's career may go down in history as one marred by thoughts of “what could've been.” However, there are many memories and victories that occurred thanks to him.
And for that, along with many other Cowboys fans, I'll always be grateful.
Because that's my quarterback.
