Say what you want about Tony Romo, but it's undeniable Tony Romo is a Hall of Famer. Once you look into his tape, statistics and impact on the National Football League, it’s easy to say he’s possibly one of the most overlooked candidates of his generation. Ask an average football fan if Tony Romo belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they will probably tell you that “He choked in the playoffs” or some other negatives. The bigger picture is that Romo is one of the most creative and intelligent quarterbacks of the modern era and for that he deserves Hall of Fame consideration.
Romo’s career statistics are elite. Romo averaged 7.9 yards per attempt and a 97.1 career passing rating, ranking higher than Peyton Manning (96.5), Brett Favre (86) and even fellow Cowboys’ quarterback, Troy Aikman (81.6). In 2014, Romo led the NFL in completion percentage and passer rating, while achieving 34 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions.
However, what keeps him out of the Hall of Fame conversation for many people, is a 2-4-playoff record and not a single superbowl appearance during his 13 seasons in the NFL.
In 2007 the Cowboys were the NFC’s number 1 seed; while Romo threw for 4,211 yards that year but poor coaching and organization missteps saw the Cowboys get bounced in the divisional by the eventual Super Bowl champions New York Giants. Bad coaching shouldn't represent Tony Romo’s career as a whole.
For example, let’s consider Philip Rivers, who by many is also considered a future Hall of Famer. Rivers compiled more yards (63,440) and touchdowns (421) in his career compared to Romo’s (34,183 yards and 248 touchdowns), however, Rivers played in 244 games compared to Romo’s 150 games. Depending on which season, Rivers and Romo’s statistics are marginally better or worse than each other.
Both Rivers and Romo have no superbowl rings and no superbowl appearances, yet Rivers is, for the most part, in the conversation for the Hall of Fame while Romo is not. There are plenty of well recognized quarterbacks without superbowl rings like Warren Moon and Dan Marino.
Romo’s innovative quarterback style, and his ability to turn sour plays into a miracle was a predecessor to today’s quarterbacking flair. That exact type of off the script play was what paved the road for celebrated players like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
The road to the Hall of Fame is not just necessarily about championship rings or longevity, but rather about honoring players that change the way the game of football is played. Romo is an undrafted slinger who became one of the most efficient quarterbacks of all-time and for that he deserves his spot in the Hall of Fame.
Austin Bishop is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @austinrbishop23
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