Tony Romo, a 44-year-old born Antonio Ramiro Romo on April 21, 1980, in San Diego, California, rose from an undrafted free agent to become one of the Dallas Cowboys’ most statistically prolific quarterbacks and prominent NFL analysts. His career blends remarkable athletic achievements, resilience through adversity, and a seamless transition to broadcasting, making him a multifaceted figure in football history.
Table of Contents
Who is Tony Romo?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antonio Ramiro Romo |
| Age | 44 years |
| Family/ Parents | Ramiro Romo Jr. (father) and Joan Jakubowski (mother) |
| Wife | Candice Crawford |
| Ex-girlfriends/ Past Relationships | Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson |
| Children | Hawkins, Rivers, and Jones |
| Net Worth | $80 million |
| Salary/ Career Earnings | $17 million annually |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
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Tony Romo Age, Family, Early Life and Education
Tony Romo was raised in Burlington, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for sports at a young age. His father, Ramiro Romo Jr., worked in construction, and his mother, Joan Jakubowski, was employed at a grocery store. Growing up in a modest household, Romo was heavily influenced by his family’s immigrant background; his paternal grandfather emigrated from Mexico to the United States.
This heritage instilled in him a strong work ethic and the belief that opportunities are available through hard work. Romo attended Burlington High School, where he excelled not only in football but also in basketball and golf. He became the starting quarterback during his junior year and garnered several accolades for his performance on the field.
Despite his achievements, he was overlooked by major college football programs and ultimately chose to attend Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston, Illinois. At EIU, Romo’s skills flourished. He became a three-time Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year and won the prestigious Walter Payton Award in 2002 as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
His college career was marked by impressive statistics; he set records for career touchdown passes and passing efficiency that stood for years.
NFL Career: From Undrafted to Record-Setting Quarterback
Despite his success at EIU, Romo went undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft. However, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent later that year. Initially serving as a backup quarterback to veterans Drew Bledsoe and Vinny Testaverde,
Romo spent his first three seasons with limited playing time. His breakthrough came in 2006 when he replaced Bledsoe mid-season and quickly made an impact. In his first full season as a starter in 2006, Romo led the Cowboys to a playoff berth while throwing for 19 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards.
His performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl—an honor not bestowed upon a Cowboys quarterback since Troy Aikman in 1996. The following year marked another high point; Romo led the Cowboys to an impressive 12-1 record during the first 13 games of the season and finished with 36 touchdowns and over 4,200 passing yards. Throughout his career with the Cowboys from 2003 to 2016,(over 14 seasons), he redefined the Cowboys’ record books:
Franchise Records:
- Most career passing yards (34,183) and touchdowns (248).
- Highest career completion percentage (65.3%).
- Most fourth-quarter comebacks (25) and game-winning drives (30).
- Single-season passing yards (4,903 in 2012) and touchdowns (36 in 2007).
NFL Milestones:
- Fourth-highest career passer rating (97.1) at retirement.
- NFL record for consecutive road games with a touchdown pass (41).
- Highest fourth-quarter passer rating (101.6 from 2006–2013).
He was selected to four Pro Bowls and was known for his ability to perform under pressure—particularly in fourth-quarter situations where he had one of the highest passer ratings among quarterbacks during that period. However, despite his regular-season success, Romo’s postseason performances were often scrutinized; he led Dallas to four playoff appearances (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014) but advanced past the divisional round just once (2014). He won only two of six playoff games.
Injuries plagued Romo’s later years. He faced significant setbacks in 2010, 2015, and finally in 2016 when a back injury led to him losing his starting position to rookie Dak Prescott. After much consideration regarding his health and future with the team, Romo announced his retirement from professional football on April 4, 2017.
Transition to Broadcasting
Post-retirement, Tony Romo quickly transitioned into broadcasting. He joined CBS Sports as a lead color analyst for NFL games. His unique ability to predict plays before they happen garnered him widespread acclaim among fans and critics alike.
This skill has made him one of the most popular commentators on television. Romo’s broadcasting career has been characterized by an engaging style that combines technical analysis with an approachable demeanor. He has received several accolades for his work as an analyst and continues to be a prominent voice during NFL broadcasts.
Accolades and Legacy
Tony Romo’s legacy is multifaceted; he is remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for his contributions off it. His rise from an undrafted free agent to one of the most recognizable figures in football illustrates resilience and dedication. While he may not have achieved ultimate success in terms of Super Bowl victories, his impact on the game is undeniable—both as a player who redefined expectations for quarterbacks from smaller colleges and as an analyst who brings insight into the game, Romo’s accolades include:
- Four Pro Bowl selections (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014).
- 2014 NFL passer rating leader (113.2).
- 2009 NFC passing yards leader (4,483).
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2021).
Analyses by FiveThirtyEight highlight his unique trajectory: the highest-rated undrafted QB in NFL history, surpassing legends like Warren Moon and Kurt Warner in passer rating. However, his lack of postseason success and durability issues place him behind contemporaries like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in all-time rankings.
Personal Life (Ex-Girlfriends)
Tony Romo Carrie Underwood
Tony dated country singer Carrie Underwood in between 2006 and 2007 after meeting through mutual friends. Their relationship ended after less than a year, with Underwood later denying her song “Cowboy Casanova” was about him.
Tony Romo Jessica Simpson
Tony Romo began dating pop star singer Jessica Simpson in November 2007 after being introduced by a mutual friend. Their relationship quickly gained media attention, with some fans blaming Simpson for Romo’s on-field struggles, especially as Simpson began attending Cowboys games to support Romo.
They celebrated Romo’s 28th birthday together, which included playful moments that went viral, showcasing their affection for each other.
Rumors of a breakup surfaced in May 2008 due to Simpson’s emotional distress over her ex-boyfriend John Mayer’s new relationship. However, these rumors were denied, and the couple continued to appear together publicly. In February 2009, Simpson dedicated a song titled “You’re My Sunday” to Romo, reaffirming their bond amidst ongoing speculation about their relationship.
Just before Simpson’s 29th birthday, Romo reportedly ended their relationship around July 2009, which left her heartbroken. Sources indicated that their busy careers contributed to the split.
Tony Romo Wife Candice Crawford
Later in 2009, after the breakup with Simpson, Romo began dating Candice Crawford, who was an intern with the Dallas Cowboys at the time. Their relationship blossomed quickly after they met. The duo married at Arlington Hall on May 28, 2011, in Dallas during the NFL lockout.
The ceremony was attended by friends and family, including 600 guests, such as Cowboys legends Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, and owner Jerry Jones (who required special permission to attend due to league restrictions).
As of 2025, the couple is still married after 14 years, with Romo frequently praising Crawford’s support: “She’s made me a better person”. Crawford is known for her previous title as Miss Missouri and her work as a sports journalist.
The couple shares three sons: Hawkins Romo, born in April 2012. Rivers Romo was born in March 2014. Jones Romo was born on August 23, 2017. Romo joked about “building [his] basketball team” after Jones’s birth.
Candice has described bedtime routines as her favorite family moments: “I love getting glimpses of their little minds when the day winds down”. Tony Romo and his wife, Candice Crawford, reside in the Dallas area, Texas, where Romo spent his NFL career and where they married. They are actively involved in family activities and maintain a close relationship with their extended families.
They often share glimpses of their family life through social media and public appearances.
Tony Romo Net Worth and Salary
As of March 2025, Tony Romo’s net worth stands at $80 million, reflecting earnings from football, media contracts, endorsements, and real estate ventures.
NFL Career Earnings
Romo earned $127 million over 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the highest-paid undrafted player in NFL history. Key contracts included a six-year, $108 million extension in 2013 and annual salaries peaking at $17 million during his playing days.
Broadcasting Salary
Since retiring in 2017, Romo transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. His 10-year, $180 million CBS deal (signed in 2020) guarantees $17 million annually, making him the highest-paid NFL analyst. This surpasses peers like Troy Aikman ($18 million) and Jim Nantz ($10.5 million).
Endorsements
Romo’s endorsement portfolio includes partnerships with: Corona (featured in “Corona Hotline” commercials), Pizza Hut, DirectTV, and Under Armour. Additionally, Tony has partnered with collectibles brands Topps and Panini.
While specific earnings from endorsements post-2015 are not well-documented, he reportedly earned around $5 million from endorsements during his playing days. Furthermore, these deals have collectively added millions to his wealth.
Investments
Romo’s financial acumen extends beyond salaries. He owns a 30,000-square-foot Dallas estate in Glen Abbey and has flipped properties for profit (e.g., a Texas home bought for $699k and sold for $1.05 million).
Additionally, he invested in fantasy football platforms like National Fantasy Championship (fantasy football contest company) and the fan-driven Fan Controlled Football League that allows fans to call plays during games.
Tony also Hosts annual youth football camps and supports charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and United Way. Additionally, Romo founded The Tony Romo Foundation, focusing on improving the lives of children affected by illness or injury.
Wealth Breakdown
| Source | Contribution |
| NFL Salary | $127 million |
| Broadcasting Salary | $17 million/year |
| Endorsements | $5 million+/year |
| Investments | Undisclosed profits |
Romo’s story underscores the value of adaptability, transitioning from an undrafted rookie to a broadcasting icon while leveraging endorsements and investments to secure long-term financial stability.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)
- Weight: 230 pounds (104 kilograms)
- Body Measurements: 46-38-17 inches (chest-waist-bicep)
- Shoe Size: 13 (US)
FAQs About Tony Romo
Is Tony Romo married?
Yes, Tony and Candice married at Arlington Hall on May 28, 2011, in Dallas during the NFL lockout.
How old is Tony Romo?
44 years old.
Who is Tony Romo married to?
Tony and Candice married on May 28, 2011.
How much does Tony Romo make?
Since retiring in 2017, Romo transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. His 10-year, $180 million CBS deal (signed in 2020) guarantees $17 million annually, making him the highest-paid NFL analyst.
How much is Tony Romo worth?
As of March 2025, Tony Romo’s net worth stands at $80 million.
Is Tony Romo still married?
As of 2025, Tony and Candice are still married after 14 years, with Romo frequently praising Crawford’s support.
What is Tony Romo net worth?
As of March 2025, Tony Romo’s net worth stands at $80 million.
When did Tony Romo retire?
Romo retired from the NFL in April 2017.
Who is Tony Romo wife?
Tony Romo’s wife is Candice Crawford Romo. They married on May 28, 2011. Candice and Tony have three sons: Hawkins, Rivers, and Jones.
Is Tony Romo in the Hall of Fame?
Tony Romo is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021. He became eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022 but has not been a semi-finalist in the two classes since then. In 2024, he was nominated but did not receive the nod.
Did Tony Romo ever win a Super Bowl?
Tony Romo did not win a Super Bowl during his NFL career. He went 2-4 in six playoff starts with the Dallas Cowboys and never advanced beyond the divisional round.