Tony Romo Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Career & Net Worth 2026

Tony Romo biography tells the story of one of football’s most unlikely stars turned top TV voices. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback from Burlington, Wisconsin, went from undrafted free agent to four-time Pro Bowler, then became CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst alongside Jim Nantz.

As of September 2026, Tony Romo remains one of the most talked-about figures in American sports, known for his bold game predictions, huge broadcasting contract, and life after football with wife Candice Crawford and their three sons in Dallas, Texas.

Quick Facts

If you enjoy Tony Romo on CBS, you likely follow similar NFL voices and stars like Jim Nantz, Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, Greg Olsen, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott and Joe Buck. Romo is often compared to Brady and Olsen as part of the new wave of former quarterbacks turned top-paid TV analysts.

Early Life & Education

Tony Romo biography begins in San Diego, California, where Antonio Ramiro Romo was born on April 21, 1980. His father, Ramiro Romo Jr., served in the U.S. Navy and had Mexican roots, while his mother Joan worked as a store clerk with German and Polish ancestry. When Tony was a toddler, the family moved to Burlington, Wisconsin, where he grew up.

Growing up in small-town Wisconsin, Romo was a gifted all-around athlete. At Burlington High School, he starred as quarterback for the Demons football team and also played basketball and baseball. As a senior in 1997, he earned First Team All-State honors and was named Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Player of the Year. His high school coach often said Romo treated every practice like a playoff game.

Despite his high school success, Romo was lightly recruited by major colleges. He accepted a scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, an FCS school in Charleston, Illinois. From 1999 to 2002, he rewrote the Panthers record books. He won the Walter Payton Award in 2002 as the best player in Division I-AA, was a three-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, and set school records for passing yards and touchdowns. He graduated with a degree in exercise science and was later inducted into the Eastern Illinois Hall of Fame. His number 17 was retired by the school.

Career Journey Through 2026: From Undrafted to Cowboys Legend to CBS Star

NFL Beginnings: Making the Dallas Cowboys (2003-2005)

Tony Romo went undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys signed him as a free agent after being impressed by his workout. Head coach Bill Parcells kept him as a third-string quarterback behind Quincy Carter and Vinny Testaverde. For three seasons, Romo held a clipboard, learned the playbook, and worked on his mechanics. Teammates remembered him as the practice-squad player who stayed late and studied film like a starter.

Breakout and Pro Bowl Years (2006-2014)

Romo took over as starter midway through the 2006 season, replacing Drew Bledsoe. He instantly sparked the Cowboys, leading them to the playoffs and earning his first Pro Bowl trip. From 2006 to 2014, he became the face of America’s Team.

Key milestones from his playing career include:

• 2006: First Pro Bowl, led Cowboys to NFC East push
• 2007: Career-high 36 touchdown passes, 13-3 record, second Pro Bowl, first playoff start
• 2009: First playoff win vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4,483 passing yards
• 2011-2013: Three straight 8-8 seasons but elite stats, including 4,903 yards in 2012
• 2014: Best season – led NFL with 113.2 passer rating, 34 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 12-4 record, NFC East title, playoff win vs. Detroit Lions

Romo retired as the Cowboys all-time leader in passing yards (34,183), passing touchdowns (248), and passer rating (97.1). He was a four-time Pro Bowl pick in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2014.

Injuries and Transition (2015-2016)

Back and collarbone injuries cut short his final two seasons. He broke his collarbone twice in 2015 and suffered a compression fracture in his back in the 2016 preseason. That opened the door for rookie Dak Prescott, who led Dallas to a 13-3 record. Romo handled the situation with class, giving a famous November 2016 speech supporting Prescott. On April 4, 2017, he officially retired from the NFL.

Broadcasting Career and Recent Activity in 2026

Instead of signing with another team, Romo joined CBS Sports in April 2017 as its lead NFL analyst, replacing Phil Simms. Paired with Jim Nantz, he changed sports TV with his ability to predict plays before the snap. Fans called it Romo-stradamus. He called Super Bowl LIII, Super Bowl LV, and Super Bowl LVIII for CBS.

In 2020, CBS signed him to a 10-year deal worth about $180 million, making him the highest-paid NFL analyst at about $17.5 million per year. Updated in 2026, that contract still runs and keeps him as the network’s No.1 team.

During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Romo faced public criticism for sounding less sharp and talking over moments. He addressed it openly and worked with CBS coaches. In the 2025-2026 NFL season leading into 2026, reviews improved. His AFC Championship Game call in January 2026 with Nantz drew praise for energy and smart breakdowns of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. As of September 2026, Romo is preparing for another full CBS season, including Thanksgiving and playoff games.

Tony Romo Career Stats (NFL)

Over 14 seasons, all with Dallas, Romo played 156 games with 127 starts.

He still holds Cowboys team records for most 300-yard passing games (46), highest career passer rating, and highest completion percentage in a season (69.9% in 2014).

Personal Life

Tony Romo married former Miss Missouri USA and journalist Candice Crawford on May 28, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. Candice is the younger sister of actor Chace Crawford. The couple met in 2009 and quickly became one of Dallas’ most visible couples.

They have three sons:

• Hawkins Crawford Romo – born April 9, 2012
• Rivers Romo – born March 18, 2014
• Jones McCoy Romo – born August 23, 2017, named after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and coach Mack Brown

The family lives in a large modern home in Dallas. Romo is a devoted father who coaches his sons’ youth teams and often brings them to CBS studios and Cowboys events. He and Candice support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Make-A-Wish North Texas, and the Tony Romo Foundation golf events.

Before marriage, Romo had high-profile relationships with singer Jessica Simpson (2007-2009) and actress Sophia Bush. His dating history often made tabloid headlines during his playing days, especially the 2007 Cabo trip with Simpson before a playoff loss.

Outside football, Romo is an elite amateur golfer. He has tried to qualify for the U.S. Open four times, won the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in 2018 and 2019, and plays in PGA Tour Monday qualifiers. He also loves basketball, movies, and country music.

Awards & Achievements

• Walter Payton Award winner (2002) – Best player in Division I-AA
• 3-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year (2000, 2001, 2002)
• 4-time NFL Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014)
• Second-Team All-Pro (2014)
• NFL passer rating leader (2014 – 113.2)
• NFL completion percentage leader (2014 – 69.9%)
• Dallas Cowboys all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns
• Eastern Illinois No. 17 jersey retired, Hall of Fame inductee
• Sports Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio and Sports Event Analyst
• American Century Championship winner (2018, 2019)

Physical Statistics

Tony Romo age is 46 in 2026, but he stays in strong athletic shape thanks to golf and training. His height and build helped him see over linemen and escape pressure during his playing career.

• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
• Weight: Around 225-230 lbs (102-104 kg)
• Body Type: Athletic, broad-shouldered
• Chest: Approx. 44 inches
• Biceps: Approx. 15.5 inches
• Hair Color: Dark brown, short style
• Eye Color: Dark brown
• Shoe Size: 12 US
• Distinctive Features: Warm smile, strong jawline, often seen in CBS blazer or golf polo

Quotes

“If this is the worst day of your life, then you are doing pretty well. I have had bad days. I know what those feel like.”

“You have to play with confidence. You cannot be afraid to make a mistake. The great ones overcome the mistakes.”

“I always felt like I was going to prove people wrong. Being undrafted just gave me more fuel.”

Controversies

Romo has mostly kept a clean image, but he has faced a few controversies. In December 2007, he and Jessica Simpson took a weekend trip to Cabo San Lucas before a playoff loss to the New York Giants. Fans and media blamed the distraction, calling it the Cabo jinx, though teammates defended him.

In 2015, his National Fantasy Football Convention in Las Vegas was canceled by the NFL over gambling venue rules, leading to a lawsuit that was later settled.

More recently, from 2023 to 2024, Romo drew heavy criticism on social media for his CBS performance. Viewers said he sounded unprepared and too excited. Former executives and media writers questioned his $17.5 million salary. Romo responded calmly, saying he loves football and keeps working to get better. By early 2026, his improved playoff calls quieted much of that talk.

Favorites

• Favorite Team Growing Up: Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bulls
• Favorite Quarterback: Brett Favre
• Favorite Golfer: Tiger Woods
• Favorite Food: Tacos, steak, Wisconsin cheese curds
• Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans and Caddyshack
• Favorite Music: Country – Kenny Chesney, George Strait
• Favorite Vacation Spot: Cabo San Lucas and Pebble Beach
• Favorite Hobby: Golf and youth coaching

Tony Romo Net Worth and Earnings in 2026

Tony Romo net worth in 2026 is estimated at $70 million, based on NFL salaries, broadcasting pay, and endorsements. During his NFL career from 2003 to 2016, he earned about $127 million in salary alone, including a 6-year, $108 million extension in 2013 with Dallas.

His real wealth jump came from TV. After earning about $3 million per year at first with CBS, he signed the 10-year, $180 million extension in 2020. That pays him roughly $17.5 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid sportscasters in America in 2026, just behind Tom Brady’s Fox deal.

Other income includes endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, DirecTV, Corona, and Skechers, plus celebrity golf winnings and real estate in Dallas. Industry benchmarks for top NFL analysts in 2026 range from $10 million to $37.5 million per year, placing Romo firmly near the top. He also earns appearance fees for corporate events and golf outings.

Interesting Facts

• He was the first Eastern Illinois player to become a full-time NFL starting quarterback.
• He attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open golf championship four times and once shot a 70 in a qualifier.
• He holds the Cowboys record for most fourth-quarter comebacks with 24.
• His first NFL completion was a 33-yard pass, and his first touchdown pass went to Terrell Owens.
• He wore No. 9 to honor golf legend Ted Williams, who wore 9 in baseball.
• He called a perfect prediction of a Patriots play in the 2019 AFC Championship that went viral.
• He voices youth football camps every summer in Wisconsin and Texas.

Did You Know Already?

• Did you know Tony Romo was also a standout basketball player who averaged over 20 points per game in high school?
• Did you know he almost signed with the Denver Broncos as a coach or player in 2017 before choosing CBS?
• Did you know his son Jones is named partly after Jerry Jones, who kept Romo with the Cowboys for 14 years?
• Did you know Romo once played through a punctured lung and broken rib to finish a 2011 win over San Francisco?
• Did you know that as of 2026, he has called three Super Bowls for CBS and is expected to call future AFC title games through the end of the decade?

Social Media Links

Follow Tony Romo for game-day posts, golf clips, and family moments:

• X / Twitter: @tonyromo – Verified
• Instagram: @tony.romo – Verified
• Facebook: Tony Romo – Verified
• CBS Sports: CBS Sports Official Site

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Tony Romo biography shows how hard work can turn an undrafted kid from Wisconsin into a Cowboys icon and top CBS voice. From record-setting passes to memorable calls in 2026, his journey keeps inspiring football fans of all ages. If you enjoyed this story, please share it with fellow NFL fans and leave a comment with your favorite Romo moment.

Key Sources: CBS Sports, ESPN, Pro Football Reference, People Magazine