Tony Romo has never had a job in television before, yet the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is just months away from having one of the best ones sports has to offer. Boomer Esiason is one of the few people who can relate.
Not long after CBS announced that Romo will be calling games for the network alongside Jim Nantz next season, Esiason spoke with Peter King of The MMQB to offer some advice for his newest colleague.
“It’ll be a trial by fire. It’s dangerous,” Esiason said. “I guess my first reaction is: If I only knew then what I know now. I should start by saying I am really sad for Phil. He is a very close friend of mine. I have the utmost respect for him. … Jim Nantz will be really good for Tony. He knows how to make a guy in the booth feel comfortable, and he knows they’ll be highly scrutinized. One thing I would say is, try not to be all things to all people. I just overkilled the first year. I read so much, prepared so much. Have fun. Don’t think you know more about football than everybody you’re talking to.”
Esiason, who became a color commentator for ABC’s “Monday Night Football” immediately after he retired in 1998, also warned Romo that he will need to have very thick skin.
“Social media will be a killer. The slings and arrows, you won’t know where they’re coming from. But they’re coming,” Boomer added. “It’s Twitter muscle. Alcohol Twitter muscle. But it’s just like being a quarterback. We’re used to criticism. We know we’re going to take shots. It’s part of the job. He has to know that going in. … I hope he can criticize a play call. He has to do that.”
Romo is certainly used to being teed off on via social media. In fact, one former ESPN anchor took a ruthless shot at Romo on Twitter shortly after the 36-year-old retired on Tuesday.
Say what you will about Romo, but the general consensus is that he was one of the hardest-working and well-prepared players in the NFL. There’s no reason to believe his broadcasting career will be any different, which is why CBS was willing to offer him such a big job right out of the gate.
