Tony Romo Biography
Tony Romo is a former American football quarterback and respected CBS Sports NFL analyst. He was born on April 21, 1980, in San Diego, California. However, he grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, where he developed his football skills. He attended Eastern Illinois University and became one of the school’s greatest quarterbacks. Although he went undrafted in 2003, the Dallas Cowboys signed him as a free agent.
Romo earned the starting quarterback role in 2006 and quickly became a franchise star. During his NFL career, he played 14 seasons, all with the Cowboys. Moreover, he received four Pro Bowl selections and led Dallas to multiple playoff appearances. He finished his career with 34,183 passing yards, 248 touchdown passes, and a 97.1 passer rating. His touchdown total remains a Cowboys franchise record.
After retiring following the 2016 season, Tony Romo joined CBS Sports as its lead NFL analyst in 2017. His ability to predict plays and explain complex strategies earned widespread praise. Consequently, he became one of television’s highest-profile football broadcasters. He has also covered several Super Bowls alongside veteran announcer Jim Nantz.
Away from football, Tony Romo is married to Candice Crawford, a former Miss Missouri USA. The couple has three sons and often shares family moments with fans. Additionally, Romo enjoys competitive golf and frequently competes in amateur and celebrity tournaments.
In July 2026, Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Authorities released him after booking, and his case remains pending. The allegation has not resulted in a conviction, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
Tony Romo remains one of the NFL’s most recognizable former quarterbacks. His achievements on the field and success in broadcasting continue to shape his enduring legacy.
Tony Romo Age
How Old Is Tony Romo?
Tony Romo is 46 years old as of 2026. He was born on April 21, 1980, in San Diego, California, and later grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin. His football talent emerged early and continued through college at Eastern Illinois University. Soon after graduation, he joined the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Moreover, Romo spent his entire 14-season NFL career with the Cowboys before retiring. Today, he remains one of football’s most recognizable voices as CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst. His experience and football knowledge continue to earn praise from fans and analysts alike.
Tony Romo’s Height
How Tall Is Tony Romo?
Tony Romo stands 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. His height gave him excellent vision in the pocket throughout his NFL career. Additionally, his 230-pound (104 kg) frame helped him absorb pressure and extend plays. Romo played 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and became one of the franchise’s most successful quarterbacks. After retiring, he transitioned into broadcasting with CBS Sports. His height, athleticism, and football intelligence continue to support his successful career as one of the NFL’s top television analysts.
Tony Romo Wife Candice Crawford
Tony Romo’s wife is Candice Crawford, a former Miss Missouri USA, sports journalist, and entrepreneur. The couple began dating in 2009 after meeting through the Dallas Cowboys. They became engaged in December 2010 and married on May 28, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. Their marriage has remained strong despite the demands of Romo’s football and broadcasting career. Candice earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri. She later worked as a television reporter before co-founding Hawk+Sloane, a company specializing in family-focused products. Additionally, she is the sister of actor Chace Crawford. Tony and Candice have three sons and often prioritize family life. Romo has praised his wife for supporting both his NFL career and his transition to broadcasting. Moreover, the couple frequently attends charity events and public appearances together. Their lasting marriage reflects a strong partnership built on mutual support, family values, and shared success.
Tony Romo Kids | Children
Tony Romo and his wife, Candice Crawford, are proud parents of three sons. Their children are Hawkins Crawford Romo, Rivers Romo, and Jones McCoy Romo. The couple has often shared glimpses of their family life while protecting their children’s privacy. Hawkins, the oldest, was born in April 2012. Rivers followed in March 2014, while Jones arrived in August 2017. Moreover, Tony has spoken about the joy of fatherhood and the importance of spending time with his family. The Romo children enjoy sports, especially football and golf, like their father. Additionally, Tony and Candice encourage them to pursue their own interests instead of following expectations. Family remains a top priority for Tony Romo despite his successful broadcasting career. The couple continues to raise their three sons in a supportive and close-knit home environment.
Tony Romo Education & Academic Background
Tony Romo attended Burlington High School in Burlington, Wisconsin, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He starred in football, basketball, baseball, and golf during his high school years. His outstanding performances earned him statewide recognition and attracted college recruiters. After graduating, Romo enrolled at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. There, he played quarterback for the Eastern Illinois Panthers and developed into one of the nation’s top Football Championship Subdivision players. Moreover, he won the Walter Payton Award in 2002, honoring the best offensive player in Division I-AA football. He also earned Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors and set several school passing records. Although Tony Romo went undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft, his college success helped him earn a contract with the Dallas Cowboys. His education and football experience at Eastern Illinois prepared him for an outstanding NFL career.
Tony Romo’s Ethnicity
Tony Romo’s ethnicity reflects a blend of Mexican, German, and Polish heritage. His father, Ramiro Romo Jr., is Mexican American, while his mother, Joan Jakubowski Romo, has German and Polish ancestry. Additionally, Tony’s paternal grandfather emigrated from Múzquiz, Coahuila, Mexico, before settling in the United States. Growing up in Burlington, Wisconsin, Romo embraced the values of hard work and family. Although he identifies as American, he has acknowledged his Hispanic roots throughout his career. Furthermore, his multicultural background has shaped his personal story and public identity. Romo’s ethnicity remains an important part of his family history. His diverse heritage reflects the rich cultural background behind one of the NFL’s most accomplished quarterbacks.
Tony Romo Parents
Tony’s parents are Ramiro Romo Jr. and Joan Jakubowski Romo, who played a major role in his success. Tony was born in San Diego, California, while his father served in the U.S. Navy. Later, the family settled in Burlington, Wisconsin, where they raised him. Ramiro Romo Jr. worked as a carpenter and construction worker after leaving the Navy. Meanwhile, Joan Jakubowski Romo worked as a grocery store clerk to support the family. Together, they encouraged Tony to stay humble and work hard. Additionally, Tony has often praised his parents for their unwavering support. They traveled long distances to watch his high school and college football games. Their dedication helped shape his discipline and confidence. His family also reflects a rich heritage. His father is Mexican American, while his mother has German and Polish ancestry.
Tony Romo’s Siblings
Tony Romo has two older sisters, Danielle Romo and Jossalyn Romo. He is the youngest child and the only son in the family. His parents raised the siblings in Burlington, Wisconsin, after moving from California. Although Danielle Romo and Jossalyn Romo stay out of the public spotlight, they have supported Tony throughout his football journey. The close-knit Romo family emphasized hard work, humility, and strong family values. Those lessons helped Tony develop into a successful NFL quarterback and respected sports broadcaster. Additionally, Tony has spoken about the importance of his family during different stages of his career. While his sisters maintain private lives, they remain an important part of his personal story.
Tony Romo Football Career
Tony Romo built an impressive football career despite entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2003. The Dallas Cowboys signed him after a standout college career at Eastern Illinois University. He became the team’s starting quarterback in 2006 and quickly transformed the offense. Additionally, Romo earned four Pro Bowl selections through his consistent performances. He finished his career with 34,183 passing yards and 248 touchdown passes, ranking among the franchise’s all-time leaders. Those numbers cemented his legacy in Cowboys history. Moreover, Romo guided Dallas to four playoff appearances and won two postseason games. Although he never reached the Super Bowl, he delivered numerous memorable comeback victories. Injuries eventually forced him to retire after the 2016 season. Soon afterward, he joined CBS Sports as an NFL analyst and received widespread praise for his broadcasting skills. His football career remains a remarkable story of perseverance, leadership, and sustained excellence.
Tony Romo’s Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1980 | Born on April 21, 1980, in San Diego, California. |
| 1998 | Graduated from Burlington High School in Wisconsin after excelling in football, basketball, and golf. |
| 1999 | Joined Eastern Illinois University and became the Panthers’ starting quarterback. |
| 2002 | Won the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS). |
| 2003 | Signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. |
| 2004–2005 | Served as a backup quarterback while developing behind veteran players. |
| 2006 | Became the Cowboys’ starting quarterback during the season and led the team to the playoffs. |
| 2007 | Earned his first Pro Bowl selection after a standout season. |
| 2009 | Guided Dallas to its first playoff victory since the 1996 season. |
| 2011 | Signed a long-term contract extension and continued as the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback. |
| 2013 | Became the Dallas Cowboys’ all-time leader in passing touchdowns. |
| 2014 | Posted a career-best season, led the NFL in passer rating, and received his fourth Pro Bowl selection. |
| 2015 | Missed much of the season because of a broken collarbone but returned late in the year. |
| 2016 | Suffered a preseason back injury, allowing rookie Dak Prescott to become the starting quarterback. |
| 2017 | Announced his retirement from the NFL and joined CBS Sports as the lead NFL analyst. |
| 2020 | Signed a reported 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS Sports, becoming one of the highest-paid sports broadcasters. |
| 2023–2026 | Continued serving as CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst while competing in golf events and charity tournaments. |
Tony Romo OWI: What Happened in the Wisconsin Arrest?
Romo was arrested on suspicion of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2026. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped Romo while he drove south on Interstate 43. Authorities reported that he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. Officers then took him into custody, booked him, and later released him the same evening. He has a court appearance scheduled for September 21, 2026. In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is generally a civil offense rather than a criminal charge. Therefore, the case remains subject to the legal process. Neither the court nor investigators had announced a final outcome at the time of writing. Additionally, CBS Sports declined to comment following the arrest. The incident marked .As legal proceedings continue, any additional developments will come through official court records or public statements.
Did Tony Romo Win a Super Bowl? His NFL Playoff Record Explained
Tony never won a Super Bowl during his 14-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. However, he established himself as one of the franchise’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Romo led Dallas to four playoff appearances and finished with a 2-4 postseason record. Despite several strong seasons, the Cowboys never advanced beyond the NFC Divisional Round. His playoff performances remain a major topic among NFL analysts and fans. Additionally, Tony Romo earned four Pro Bowl selections and set multiple Cowboys passing records. He threw 248 touchdown passes and recorded 34,183 passing yards before retiring in 2017. Those achievements secured his place among the team’s all-time greats. Recently, Romo admitted that not delivering a Super Bowl to Dallas remains his biggest career regret. Even so, his leadership, consistency, and exciting playing style continue to define his legacy.
Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson
What happened between Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo?
Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson dated from late 2007 until July 2009, becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity couples. Their romance attracted constant media attention, especially during Romo’s years with the Dallas Cowboys. Simpson frequently attended Cowboys games, which sparked unfair criticism whenever the team struggled. However, Romo consistently avoided blaming her for his performances. The couple appeared together at public events and celebrated several milestones during their relationship. Nevertheless, they ended their romance in July 2009 after nearly two years together. Jessica later explained that personal differences and lingering feelings involving a previous relationship contributed to the split. Following the breakup, Romo began dating Candice Crawford later in 2009. They married in 2011 and have three sons together. Meanwhile, Jessica Simpson continued building her entertainment and fashion career.
Tony Romo Net Worth
Is Tony Romo a billionaire?
Tony Romo’s net worth is estimated at around $80 million. His wealth comes from NFL earnings, broadcasting, endorsements, and business ventures. During his 14-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, Romo earned more than $127 million in salary. He also signed several lucrative contract extensions before retiring. After leaving football in 2017, Romo joined CBS Sports as its lead NFL analyst. His long-term broadcasting contract reportedly pays about $17 million annually, making him one of television’s highest-paid sports commentators. Additionally, Romo has increased his wealth through endorsement deals and golf-related appearances. His successful transition from the NFL to broadcasting has strengthened his financial position. Romo’s net worth reflects both his on-field accomplishments and his enduring value in sports media.