Today's guest post is by Peppercommer Nicole Hall.
What do $55 million, six years and one NFL playoff win have in common? You guessed it – Tony Romo. Ever since the Cowboys franchise offered Romo a contract deal that knighted him the league's highest-paid player, the internet has exploded with all kinds of creative insults about the Dallas quarterback's talent (or lack thereof) and his over-the-top new salary. In my opinion, all NFL players are overpaid, but that is for another discussion.
According to the NFL, the franchise didn't have much choice. A clause in Romo’s contract stipulated that if no deal was reached by the end of the 2013 league year he would become a free agent. Romo looks great on paper, and there are no other great up and coming QB stars to replace him. Essentially, it would have been worse for the team had they given Romo the Cowboy boot.
As a Dallas native, I have grown up with the mentality that in the NFL there are the Cowboys, and everyone else. So despite their recent season records, I still proudly don my bedazzled #82 Witten jersey amongst a sports bar of Giants fans.
The typical reaction to my attire is: "Ew, you're a Cowboys fan?! At least you aren't wearing Romo's jersey." The funny thing though is that even amongst the small niche of Cowboys fans in the land of Giants and Jets, those who wear Romo jerseys are mocked by fellow fans.
So why is there such a disconnect between Romo's football resume and his reputation amongst NFL fans? There is no definite answer here, but in my opinion, a large part has to do with the Cowboys’ status as “America’s Team.” With that title comes more scrutiny and big shoes to fill.
There is also the team aspect of the game. The past seven out of 10 Super Bowl MVPs have been quarterbacks. It is no secret that the leader of the team gets the praise when they succeed and the flack when they don't.
Thankfully, though, the team is not called the Dallas Romos, so he can’t be the only one to blame for the lack of playoff wins. Sure, Romo can throw 300 yards in a game, but when no one (from HIS team) is able to catch it, it defeats the purpose (and the salary).
Thanks for the comment, Greg. I agree, Romo can’t assume all of the blame for the team’s record, and he is very inconsistent. But when he’s “on”, he plays a great game (and makes a great pick for a fantasy quarterback as well). However, with the responsibility of leadership comes the blame when things go awry. On the flip side, when the Cowboys win, Romo receives most of the accolades. But to your point, maybe he could use some of his new salary to fund a better defense.
Don’t place the entire blame on Romo. It would help if they had a defense that could stop someone. Sure, he’s been inconsistent at times, but he’s had some big games, too.
You’re right about salaries getting out of hand, but that’s the nature of the business.