Tony Romo Accepts That He's Now A Backup

The Dallas Cowboys have thrived with Dak Prescott at quarterback, and although Tony Romo has recovered from his back injury and had an advantage in terms of experience, Prescott is too good to sit. Romo spoke with media today for the first time this season and accepted that he’s no longer the starter.

Romo read from a prepared statement in which he talked about his status with the team and gave all credit to Prescott. “Football is a meritocracy,” Romo said. “You aren’t handed anything. You earn everything. Every single day. Over and over again, you have to prove it. That’s the way that the NFL, that’s the way that football works.”

“A great example of this is Dak Prescott and what he’s done. He’s earned the right to be our quarterback. As hard as that is for me to say, he’s earned that right.”

At 36, Romo is two years older than Drew Bledsoe was when a young upstart named Tony Romo took the starting gig and ran with it in the 2006 season. The undrafted QB who shattered expectations and turned into a great player has been usurped by the fourth-round pick who might not pull off 300-yard games every week, but is still doing everything right. Romo’s old, his body has endured many injuries, and there’s no place for him right now. All he can do is wait for an opportunity.