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Dallas Cowboys Expected To Trade Or Release Quarterback Tony Romo

Rodger Mallison
/
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

After 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys — quarterback Tony Romo’s time with the club is coming to an end. The 36-year-old looks to be either released or traded by the only team he’s ever played for.

Romo came at a time when the Cowboys were starving for a quarterback. It was then head coach Bill Parcells who gave Romo his first shot back in 2006.

Romo landed with the team without being drafted from Eastern Illinois University in 2003 — and eventually took over the position. 

Team owner Jerry Jones once called the discovery of Romo "a miracle" in an infamous viral video at a bar. Romo quickly won over the fanbase with flashy play and a charming smile. Like when he made the Jimmy Kimmel Show’s “Handsome Men Club.”

A 'consummate professional'

In his 10 years as starting quarterback, Romo broke the records of team greats: Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. His Hispanic background also endeared him to a North Texas’s large Latino population. Like Cowboys fan Joseph Lopez. 

"You know, Tony is a consummate professional. He’s a guy that everybody should look up and appreciate. I’m a big fan. I feel like there’s not enough Hispanic quarterbacks in the NFL. But I think Tony’s been a pro the entire time."

Though, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows for Romo in Dallas. He had a reputation for letdowns in big moments.

Like a botched field goal snap in 2006 that kept them from advancing in the playoffs -- a trip to Cabo, Mexico with then girlfriend Jessica Simpson during the playoffs — and throwing costly interceptions to lose games.

In the end, it was injuries that caused him to miss significant playing time over the past five years. He punctured a lung, broke his collarbone twice and a bone in his back.

Romo will leave the Cowboys as the franchise leader with over 34,000 passing yards, and 248 touchdowns.

And ultimately he lost his job to rookie Dak Prescott last season, and his departure had been expected ever since. 

Romo addressed his situation in a heart-felt speech last November.

"If you think for a second that I don’t want to be out there, then you’ve probably never felt the pure ecstasy of competing and winning. That hasn’t left me, in fact, it may burn now more than ever."

A 'crazy 48 hours'

Reports indicate Romo could join the Denver Broncos or stay in state with the Houston Texans. He remained with the Cowboys Thursday, the opening day of NFL free agency.

Romo posted this video on social media Thursday afternoon, saying it's been "a crazy 48 hours" and thanking his fans for their support. 

Photo provided by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Gus Contreras is a digital producer and reporter at KERA News. Gus produces the local All Things Considered segment and reports on a variety of topics from, sports to immigration. He was an intern and production assistant for All Things Considered in Washington D.C.