CBS lead NFL analyst Tony Romo has a history of brushing off and firing back at those who have criticized his calls of games over the past several seasons.
During a recent appearance on the “Against All Odds with Cousin Sal” podcast, Romo took somewhat of a different approach while discussing takes directed his way via social media.
“You get a turtleback in some ways once you play in the NFL, where it’s like things can just kinda hit you and roll right off,” the former Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback said, as shared by Brandon Contes of Awful Announcing. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect the people around you or the people you’re with. So, you’ll hear about things and when you talk about the criticism, I say, if you’re on [X, the platform formerly known as Twitter], and you’re basing it off that, it’s not unwarranted.”
Romo became a fan-favorite commentator early into his broadcasting career before he signed a 10-year contract with CBS in 2020 that reportedly was worth up to $180M. However, some have questioned his dedication to his craft since he inked that deal, and it was reported in February 2023 that CBS management “tried an intervention” the previous offseason to have Romo “be better prepared” for game assignments.
“It’s my job to – I want to do the best job for this game so you enjoy it the most you possibly can,” Romo continued. “…You want to enjoy the experience and if I’m making it not enjoyable, well that’s on me. I should do a better job of that.”
Former CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus revealed this past February that the network had asked Romo to “calm down a little bit because you do get too into the game.” That request didn’t stop Romo from excitedly describing the Kansas City Chiefs’ championship-clinching walk-off touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII just seconds after the play concluded.
Last week, media legend Jim Nantz defended Romo and said his broadcasting partner “was sensational” while calling this year’s Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Romo insisted during the podcast that he and Nantz are “trying to make the experience better for the viewer” on a weekly basis.
Fans and media insiders seemingly gave Romo a bit of a break this week and instead targeted Tom Brady after Brady made his announcing debut this past weekend. Perhaps Brady’s presence in the Fox booth will result in Romo welcoming advice regarding how he can avoid “warranted” criticisms of future on-air performances.
