Let’s say you’re playing NFL as an undrafted free agent. Then going on to become one of the great QBs for the Cowboys. How’s that for a career? This was the journey of Tony Romo. Most of the fans might know him because of his stint as the CBS announcer, but his career had much more than that.

Despite going undrafted in 2003, he became the team’s starting quarterback in 2006 and held that position until his retirement in 2016. He led the Cowboys to four playoff appearances and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times. He set several franchise records, including most passing yards and most passing touchdowns. But apart from this decorated career, he had a wonderful family which stood for him throughout this journey.

Who is the Cowboys’ former QB’s mom?

Tony’s mother is Joan Jakubowski. Yep, she has German and Polish heritage. Joan worked as a grocery store clerk in Burlington, Wisconsin, where Romo grew up. Joan had two daughters before Tony, Jossalyn Romo, and Danielle Romo. But Tony Romo had a special place in Joan’s heart as a kid. Reasons? In an interview with Graham Bensinger, when he was asked about this statement from Joan: “If I had Tony first, I wouldn’t have any other kids.” Well Romo replied with a smile, “I think it’s just my energy and the level of like…go, go, go…made her move quite a bit.” No wonder he became a great QB.

He then gave her mom the title of ‘Bookkeeper‘. He said, “She helped me over the years with that and just with so much stuff coming in you needed someone to have them you know, and all that stuff.” Clearly, it was his mother’s helping hand that shaped his childhood, especially when you’re focusing on sports and studies might go for a toss.

Who is Tony Romo’s dad?

The former QB’s father, Ramiro Romo Jr., has had an interesting and tough journey. After serving in the Navy, Ramiro worked as a carpenter and construction worker to support his family. This was a period of hardships for the Romos.

When asked about his father’s work, Tony told Bensinger, “Growing up, he would leave for work and get home at 5:30. I mean, he’s worked his way up as carpenter, you know, all the way up to superintendent and then project manager. To the end, he’s rooted in hard work. You know he was an old Navy guy, so that’s my dad.” Tony Romo’s humility comes from this phase of his life.

His dad’s side is ethnically Mexican, Ramiro Romo Sr. had migrated from Mexico to the States. As per Tony, his grandpa likes to call it “

The American Dream“. He actually gives a lot of credit to his grandpa for his toughness. Per Romo, Ramiro Sr. used to believe that “if you’ve the ability to do it, you can make things work here”. Guess he proved his grandpa right, didn’t he? But the journey wasn’t that easy.

Where did Tony Romo grow up?

Tony Romo grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin. Small-town life with lots of sports. Romo played football at Burlington High and became a local star. Even though he was born in San Diego, Wisconsin is where he really found his love for the game. He had to struggle, though. There was a time when his father used to earn $500 per month. He has seen those days closely.

After Burlington High, Tony Romo went to Eastern Illinois University, where he set records and won the Walter Payton Award. His records covered everything. From most career touchdown passes with 85 to most touchdown passes in a single season with 34 in 2002. This success brought him to the eyes of the Cowboys scouts. With the Cowboys, he spent 16 seasons and had four Pro Bowl selections. But the latter part of his career had multiple injuries. He had to undergo several back surgeries. At 36, Romo felt that his body was no longer able to withstand the physical demands of the NFL and he retired on April 4, 2017.

But it goes without saying: you can leave football, but football can leave you. So Tony Romo joined CBS Sports as an analyst. He formed a team with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson, which went on to become one of the most popular broadcast teams in the NFL. Romo signed a 10 year, $180 million contract with CBS in 2021 and Tony has had a good career so far. He’s even good at prediction, with him predicting several Super Bowls successfully. This includes Super Bowl LIII in 2019, Super Bowl LV in 2021, and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024. Guess, we’ve to wait for his word on this season to know the winner.