Answer summary
Tony Romo played in the NFL for 11 seasons, from 2003 to 2016, all with the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2003, became the starting quarterback in 2006, and earned three Pro Bowl selections (2007, 2009, 2014) along with a career-high 3,317 passing yards in 2014. A neck injury in the 2017 preseason led to his retirement in March 2017.
Career timeline
Romo played college football at Eastern Illinois before entering the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent his early years on the roster as a backup and occasional starter before claiming the starting job in 2006. His prime spanned 2007–2014, during which the Cowboys remained competitive in the NFC East. A decisive neck injury in 2017 curtailed his playing time and prompted retirement, concluding an 11-year tenure with one franchise.
Season-by-season highlights
| Season | Team | Games | Record (as starter) | Key achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Dallas Cowboys | 6 | 1–5 | NFL debut, first career start |
| 2006 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 10–6 | Became full-time starter |
| 2007 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 13–3 | First Pro Bowl (Seasons active) |
| 2009 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 11–5 | Second Pro Bowl, playoff berth |
| 2014 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 12–4 | Career-high 3,317 yards, Third Pro Bowl |
| 2016 | Dallas Cowboys | 8 | 4–4 | Final full season before injury |
| 2017 | Dallas Cowboys | 0 | — | Injured in preseason, retired March 2017 |
Notable achievements and context
Across 11 seasons and 110 regular-season games (96 starts), Romo threw for 24,881 yards, 184 touchdowns, and 97 interceptions with a 97.4 passer rating. He led Dallas to four NFC East division titles and three playoff runs, including an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2007. His accolades include three Pro Bowl selections and consistent top-10 MVP voting finishes, underscoring his value as a franchise quarterback.
Injury and retirement
In the 2017 preseason, Romo suffered a neck injury that ended his season and ultimately his career. On March 1, 2017, he announced his retirement, citing health and family considerations. Jason Garrett transitioned from head coach to interim status during the 2017 season in part due to the quarterback uncertainty introduced by Romo’s departure.
Post-career legacy
Since retiring, Romo has worked as a broadcaster and analyst, becoming a prominent voice in NFL coverage. His playing legacy remains tied to sustained excellence with a single franchise, durability as a starter, and solid—though not extraordinary—production by top-tier quarterback standards.
Comparative context
An 11-year career places Romo in the middle range of starting quarterbacks over the past two decades. While he lacks the longevity of 15+ year veterans, his consistent double-digit seasons and division success highlight reliability and durability within the context of modern NFL quarterback careers.
Frequently asked questions
- Did Tony Romo ever play postseason football? Yes, he appeared in three playoffs (2007, 2009, 2014), reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2007.
- Was Tony Romo ever a full-time starter before 2006? No, he became the Cowboys’ undisputed starter in 2006.
- Why did Tony Romo retire after a neck injury? A neck injury in the 2017 preseason raised health concerns, leading to his retirement in March 2017.
- How does Romo’s career length compare to other Cowboys quarterbacks? Romo’s 11 years trail only Troy Aikman (12) among Cowboys starting quarterbacks since 1990.