Joe Nathan
Texas Rangers – No. 36
Pitcher
Born: (1974-11-22) November 22, 1974 (age 37) Houston, Texas
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 21, 1999 for the San Francisco Giants
Career statistics (through May 29, 2012)
Win-Loss record	48-25
Earned run average	2.85
Strikeouts	785
Saves	272
Teams
San Francisco Giants (1999–2003) Minnesota Twins (2004–2009, 2011) Texas Rangers (2012–present)
Career highlights and awards
4× All-Star (2004, 2005, 2008, 2009) Joseph W. Haynes Award (Twins' Pitcher of the Year) (2008) Twins all-time saves leader (255) Twins single-season saves record (47) AL Rolaids Relief Man Award (2009)

Joseph Michael Nathan (born November 22, 1974) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop in high school but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants. He worked his way through the minor leagues, alternating between spots in the rotation and the bullpen. After a few years of splitting time between the majors and the minors, Nathan had a breakout season as a setup man for the Giants in 2003. That off-season, Nathan was traded to the Twins and became their closer.

From 2004 to 2009, Nathan was considered one of the top closers in MLB with four All-Star appearances and a league-leading 246 saves.^[1] In 2010, Nathan underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow and missed the entire season.^[2] On April 3, 2011, Nathan recorded his first save since his injury against the Toronto Blue Jays. On July 16, 2011, Nathan regained his role as closer. On August 10, 2011, Nathan became the Twins all-time leader in saves with 255 in a game against the Boston Red Sox. He signed with the Texas Rangers on November 21, 2011.

Early Career[link]

Nathan graduated from Pine Bush High School in Pine Bush, New York in 1992, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran track.^[3] However, only Division III colleges showed minimal interest in having him play for their program.^[4] Nathan ended up playing college baseball at Stony Brook University as a result of his baseball coach and Stony Brook's coach having a history; Pine Bush assistant baseball coach Jeff Masionet and Stony Brook baseball coach Matt Senk played college baseball together at State University of New York at Cortland.^[4]

College career[link]

Nathan played college baseball as a shortstop at then Division III SUNY Stony Brook Patriots (now Division I).^[5] He became a two-time Academic All-American, and graduated as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.^[6] During his tenure there, professional baseball scouts began to notice his good arm and pitcher's body, and on a day where a game was rained out, "literally someone from every organization" came to watch him pitch.^[5] Nathan was drafted in the sixth round (159th overall) from the amateur draft by the San Francisco Giants in 1995,^[5] and signed on June 2, a day after being drafted.^[7] His college jersey number has since been retired,^[8] and he has been given the University Medal, the highest recognition given by the university.^[6] Nathan also played for the Fairfield Stallions in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 1994.

In August 2008, Nathan made a $500,000 lead gift to the Department of Athletics in support of the construction of a new baseball field at Stony Brook University. In recognition of the gift from the Joe Nathan Charitable Foundation (www.joenathan.com), the State University of New York has approved that the new field will be named "Joe Nathan Field."^[9]

Minor league career[link]

Nathan began his minor league career playing Class A ball for the Bellingham Giants.^[10] After an unsuccessful year at the plate, the Giants tried to convert Nathan into a pitcher, but he refused to do that and left the game.^[5] He went back to Stony Brook for a year, graduating with a degree in business management.^[3] Nathan thought about his future and after graduation, decided to return to the Giants organization.^[11] Now a pitcher, He developed into a standout pitching prospect. After a season with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, he played at both the A and AA levels (the San Jose Giants and Shreveport Captains) in 1998 as a starter.^[10] During his tenure with San Jose, he started 22 games, earned an ERA of 3.32 with 118 strikeouts, and led the Giants to the California League Championship.^[12] He played two games in Shreveport in 1999 before receiving his promotion to the big-league club in 1999.^[10]

MLB career[link]

San Francisco Giants[link]

1999–2002[link]

Nathan was recalled from Shreveport on April 20, 1999, taking the roster spot of Barry Bonds, who was sent to the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left elbow.^[13] He made his major league debut the next day, pitching seven shutout innings and winning his first major-league decision in a 4–0 win against the Florida Marlins.^[14] Nathan split time the rest of the season between the AAA-affiliate Fresno Grizzlies and the Giants, posting a 6–4 record at AAA, and a 7–4 record with an ERA of 4.18 at the major league level. Nathan also earned his first career save on May 16 against the Houston Astros.^[10]

After playing in the minors for a short time in 2000, Nathan spent most of the season in the majors, finishing with a 5–2 record and hitting two home runs as a hitter.^[7] However, he struggled with his control by walking 63 batters in 93.1 innings, and ended up with a 5.21 ERA.^[7] He also spent two stints on the disabled list: from May 17 to June 6 due to right shoulder tendinitis, and from July 14 to August 18 due to right shoulder inflammation.^[15] At the end of the season, Nathan had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.

During the 2001 season, Nathan spent part of the season at AAA Fresno, and some time at AA Shreveport, where he played both as a starter and a reliever.^[10] He finished the season with a combined 3–11 record and an ERA over 7. The next season, Nathan had an ERA of over 5 at Fresno with a 6–12 record.^[10] Despite his struggles after the surgery, he eventually reached the majors in September and pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in relief for the Giants.

2003[link]

At the start of the season he was back with the Giants as a reliever. This transition came with marriage as well; Nathan married Lisa Lemoncelli, his girlfriend of five years, in November 2002.^[16] The 2003 season was a breakout year for Nathan, as he started the season with 23 scoreless innings en route to a 12–4 record in his first season as a reliever.^[7] His 78 appearances put him high on the list of most-used pitchers for the season, and he allowed no runs in a span of 15 appearances from July 18 to August 20.^[17] He had 12 wins as a reliever, the most during that season.^[12] The San Francisco Giants won the NL West by 15.5 games and faced the Wild Card winner Florida Marlins in the NLDS. Nathan, however, was hit hard in the playoffs. After blowing a save in his first postseason appearance, Nathan and the Giants were upset by the Marlins in four games.

Minnesota Twins[link]

2004[link]

Nathan was traded to the Minnesota Twins on November 16, 2003, in what may be the worst trade in San Francisco Giants' history. The Giants sent Nathan along with pitchers Boof Bonser and Francisco Liriano in exchange for catcher A.J. Pierzynski and cash.^[7] The Twins decided to make Nathan their closer for the 2004 season. This was a risky move, as Nathan had only one save in six opportunities as a Giant.^[18] Nathan had the inside track on the job, competing against J.C. Romero and Jesse Crain. He was signed to a three-year deal on March 4, 2004 and agreed to an intentionally incentive-laden contract with a base salary of $440,000.^[19] Nathan won the closing job in Spring Training, and started off the season strong. He allowed no runs in 20 appearances, from April 15 to June 4, and earned 14 saves during the same period.^[20] Nathan was also named the American League Co-Player of the Week for the week of May 10, after pitching four innings for the week, earning 4 saves in 4 appearances and facing the minimum number of batters in each appearance.^[20] His credentials for the first half of the season, converting 23 saves in 24 opportunities with a 1.19 ERA in 26 appearances, led to his first All-Star appearance in the 2004 MLB All-Star Game.^[21] He was the only Twin to earn a spot in the game and pitched in the seventh inning, getting Bobby Abreu to strike out, Mike Lowell to fly out, and Miguel Cabrera to strike out.^[22] Nathan continued to post impressive numbers throughout the rest of the season, while allowing no runs between June 9 and August 18, and between August 25 and September 16.^[20] Nathan finished the 2004 season with 44 saves in 47 opportunities, and an ERA of 1.62.^[7] The Twins won the AL Central division and faced the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Nathan picked up his first postseason save in Game 1, but blew his second opportunity in Game 2 as the Twins went on to lose in four games. Nathan's outstanding season earned him MVP and Cy Young votes, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting and 12th in MVP voting.^[7] With the end of his first year with the Twins came the birth of his first son, Cole, on November 9, 2004.^[3]

2005[link]

During spring training in 2005, Nathan signed a two year deal that includes a club option for 2008.^[23] He picked up from where he left off in 2004, allowing no earned runs in 15 appearances from April 5 to May 10.^[24] He also had streaks of 13 and 12 consecutive save opportunities converted between April and July.^[24] As a result, Nathan was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of June 27.^[24] Nathan earned another All-Star appearance in 2005 for his pitching in the first half of the season. Although his record was 1–3 with a 3.57 ERA in 37 appearances, he had struck out 43 batters in 35.1 innings pitched, and lead the AL with 23 saves in 25 opportunities.^[25] Nathan pitched in the 2005 MLB All-Star Game alongside fellow pitcher Johan Santana. Pitching the eighth inning of the game, he got Morgan Ensberg to pop out for the first out, then gave out a double to Moisés Alou. Felipe López singled, and Nathan was able to get Miguel Cabrera and Luis Castillo out, but not before Alou scored.^[26] Nathan had a brilliant second half as he went 6–1 with 18 saves in 20 chances, and posted an ERA of 1.76. He finished the season with a 7–4 record, a 2.70 ERA, 43 saves in 48 opportunities, and 94 strikeouts.^[7] Nathan also became the third pitcher in club history to post consecutive 40 save seasons.^[24] The Twins however missed the playoffs.

2006[link]

Nathan pitching for the Minnesota Twins in 2006.

Before the 2006 season began, Nathan participated in the 2006 World Baseball Classic as one of the 30 players selected for the Team USA roster.^[27] He played the first game, a 2–0 win against Mexico, striking out the side while allowing one hit.^[28] He also pitched the 4–3 victory against Japan, again throwing a shutout inning.^[29] Nathan went on to pitch the last game for the United States in the ninth inning against Mexico, again not allowing a run and striking out two.^[30]

As the regular 2006 season began for the Twins, Nathan started off strong, allowing no runs from the start of the season to April 25.^[31] He also converted 10 straight save opportunities from April 11 to June 17.^[31] On June 24, Nathan recorded his one hundredth career save against the Chicago Cubs, and 99th save with Minnesota.^[31] Four days later he got save number 101, his hundredth save with Minnesota against the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the fifth pitcher in Twins history to achieve that mark.^[31] Despite putting up great numbers during the 2006 season, Nathan was not selected to the All-Star Game. He continued to pitch well throughout the season, passing Eddie Guardado for second on the Twins' all-time save list when he earned his 117th save against the Detroit Tigers on September 9.^[31] Nathan was also given the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month award for July, going 9 for 9 in save opportunities and posting a 0.75 ERA for the month.^[32] He finished the season with some of his best numbers to date: a 7–0 record, a 1.58 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 36 saves, an 18th place finish in MVP voting, and a fifth place finish in Cy Young voting.^[7] His 61 games finished were also good for the AL lead and opponents batted just .158 against him, a career high.^[7] With 36 saves in 38 opportunities, Nathan also became the first pitcher for the organization to earn 35 saves in three straight seasons.^[31] The Twins stormed back to win the division on the last day of the regular season, but were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS as Nathan made one scoreless appearance.

2007[link]

Nathan continued to dominate as the Twins' closer for the 2007 season. He had a stretch between July and August where he gave up just two earned runs and converted all 12 save chances. Once again despite Nathan's numbers, he was not picked for the All-Star team. Nathan finished the year by converting 37 of 41 save opportunities with a record of 4–2 and an ERA of 1.88. The Twins however had a disappointing season and missed the playoffs.

On September 25, 2007, Nathan was named as one of 10 finalists for the "DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award," the third year in a row that he has been a finalist.^[33] On October 29, the Twins exercised Nathan's club option for 2008.^[34]

2008[link]

Though Nathan was slated to make $6 million in 2008,^[23] on March 24, 2008, the Minnesota Twins re-signed Nathan to a four-year, $47 million contract through 2011. The deal also includes a $12.5 million club option for 2012 with a $2 million buyout.^[35]

Nathan started the season with 13 consecutive saves but blew his first save of the season on May 27 by giving up a three-run inside-the-park home run on a misplayed fly ball by teammate Delmon Young; however, Nathan got two outs to end the 9th inning and the Twins went on to win the game.^[36] By converting 27 of 29 save opportunities prior to the All-Star break, Nathan was selected as a reserve player for the American League in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.^[37] Nathan finished the year with 39 saves and a career best 1.33 ERA.^[38][39] He also had a career high six blown saves and surrendered his first career walk-off home run to Victor Martinez on September 16.^[40] Nathan ranked seventh in the majors in saves and had the lowest ERA of the top 30 save leaders in 2008.^[41] Despite Nathan's success, the Twins narrowly missed the playoffs by losing the tie-breaker game against division rival Chicago White Sox.

2009[link]

Nathan had a strong season, as he was selected as an All-Star for the 2009 MLB All Star Game, and he finished the year with 2.10 ERA with 47 saves in 52 opportunities, which was a franchise record. He shared honors for the AL Rolaids Relief Man award with Mariano Rivera. However, Nathan did not fare as well in the postseason; in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, with the Twins leading 3–1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nathan blew the save when he surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to Alex Rodriguez. It was the first home run Nathan had allowed with men on base all year. The Yankees later won the game in the 11th inning and swept the series. On October 11, 2009, after the Twins lost the final game at the Metrodome (a 4–1 playoff loss to the Yankees that eliminated them), Nathan took a pile of dirt from the mound as a keepsake from the Metrodome.^[42]

2010–2011[link]

On March 9, 2010, it was reported that Nathan had a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. On March 21, after attempting to pitch without having surgery, Nathan decided to undergo Tommy John Surgery, missing the entire 2010 season.^[43]

On April 18, 2011, Nathan was replaced at closer by Matt Capps after going 3 for 5 in save opportunities.^[44] On May 28, 2011, Nathan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right flexor muscle strain. Chuck James was called up to take his place.^[45]

On August 10, 2011, against the Boston Red Sox, Nathan became the Twins' all-time saves leader with 255, passing Rick Aguilera.

After the Twins declined his $12.5 million club option and exercised a $2 million buyout, Nathan became a free agent at the end of the 2011 season.^[46]

Nathan is currently the Minnesota Twins' leader in career saves.

Texas Rangers[link]

On November 21, 2011, Nathan agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers worth $14.5 million with an option for a third year.^[46][47]

Personal life[link]

• Is married to Lisa (nee Lemoncelli), with two children: a son Cole (born November 9, 2004) and a daughter Riley (born April 4, 2007).
• Joe has a foundation, Joe Nathan Charitable Foundation, which is to be named "Save It", helping raise money and awareness for many different charities.
• Resides in Knoxville, Tennessee in the off season.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Joe Nathan

• Joe Nathan.com – The Official Website of Joe Nathan!
• Joe Nathan on Twitter
• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)

Tony Romo

Romo before the 2008 Pro Bowl
No. 9     Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
Personal information
Date of birth: (1980-04-21) April 21, 1980 (age 32)
Place of birth: San Diego, California
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Weight: 226 lb (103 kg)
Career information
College: Eastern Illinois
Undrafted in 2003
Debuted in 2004 for the Dallas Cowboys
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (2003–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2007, 2009) College awards and honors Ed Block Courage Award (2011)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2011
Pass attempts 2,592 Pass completions 1,672 Percentage 64.5 TD-INT 149-72 Passing yards 20,834 QB Rating 96.9 Stats at NFL.com
Stats at pro-football-reference.com

Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo (born April 21, 1980) is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 96.9 - ranks second-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005. He replaced the Cowboys' previous starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe during a game against the New York Giants in the 2006 season.

Early years[link]

Romo was born in San Diego, California, while his father was serving in the United States Navy. His family returned to its home in Burlington, Wisconsin.^[1] Romo's athletic ability was evident even at an early age when he was selected for the Little League All-Star team.^[2]

Romo started as quarterback for the Burlington Demons beginning as a junior (1996 season). During his junior season, he led the Demons to a SLC Conference record of 7–2 and the WIAA^[3] playoffs. In the 1996 playoffs, Romo and the Demons defeated Greenfield^[4] 17-6 before trouncing Badger^[5] 41–16. Romo came within one game of the state championship game but fell short in a last-minute 16-15 loss to Cudahy.^[6] After the 1996 season, he received Honorable Mention in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State Team.

Before his senior year of high school, BHS was realigned into the new SEC Conference along with the larger Racine and Kenosha metro schools. In the 1997 season, Romo and the Demons finished with a 3–6 record, though he earned several honors, including the All-Racine County football team, Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State first team honors, as well as honors by the Racine Journal Times^[7] 1997 Player of the Year.

Romo was a multi-sport athlete during high school, and in addition to being a member of the football team, he also was a starter on the BHS varsity basketball team; he also played golf and tennis.

College career[link]

Romo played college football at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. As a sophomore in 2000, Romo ranked second in Division I-AA in passing efficiency, completing 164 of 278 (59%) passes for 2,583 yards and 27 touchdowns. After the season, he was honored as an All-America honorable mention, an All-Ohio Valley Conference member, and the OVC Player of the Year. As a junior, he led Division I-AA in passing efficiency, completing 138-of-207 passes for 2,068 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was selected to the AP All-America third team, All-Ohio Valley Conference first team and the OVC Player of the Year.

On December 19, 2002, Romo was the first player in Eastern Illinois and Ohio Valley Conference history to win the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the Nation's top player at the NCAA Division I-AA level. He finished his career holding school and conference records with 85 touchdown passes. His last college game was a playoff loss to Western Illinois University. He was second in school and third in conference history with 8,212 passing yards. He was also second in school history with 584 completions and 941 attempts. As a senior, he set school and conference records for completions with 258 in 407 attempts for 3,418 yards, ranked him second in conference and third in school history for a season. He threw for 34 touchdowns and scored one rushing touchdown. Romo's 3,149 yards in total offense as a senior ranked third in school and conference history. Along with the Walter Payton Award, Romo earned consensus All-America honors. He was also selected All-Ohio Valley Conference and was named OVC Player of the Year for the third straight year.

During homecoming weekend on October 17, 2009, Eastern Illinois University retired Romo's No. 17 jersey and inducted him in to EIU’s Hall of Fame. Romo is the first Eastern Illinois player to have his number retired. He said of the event, "It was such an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame here, and with the jersey ceremony, it holds a special place in your heart."^[8][9]

Awards and honors[link]

• 3× All-OVC (2000–2002)
• 3× OVC Player of the Year (2000–2002)
• 3× All-American (2000–2002)
• Walter Payton Award (2002)

NFL career[link]

Dallas Cowboys[link]

Romo attended the 2003 NFL Combine, but, despite intriguing some scouts, went undrafted by any NFL team during the 2003 NFL Draft. Throughout the draft, Romo was assured by Sean Payton of the Cowboys' interest (Romo was also intensely pursued by former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan),^[10] and shortly afterwards was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Cowboys. Romo entered the 2003 training camp third on the Cowboys' depth chart behind Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson. In 2004, the Cowboys released quarterback Chad Hutchinson and signed veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde and traded a third round draft pick to the Houston Texans for quarterback Drew Henson. Romo faced being cut from the roster until Quincy Carter was released following allegations of substance abuse. After Vinny Testaverde's tenure in Dallas ended in 2005, the Cowboys signed veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe, the eighth starting quarterback for the Cowboys since 2000.

One of Romo's early career highlights was in 2004, when (as the third string QB) he rushed for the winning touchdown with six seconds left in a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. Elevated to the Cowboys' #2 quarterback in 2005, Romo had strong showings in the 2005 and 2006 pre-seasons. In the 2006 off-season, Sean Payton (now head coach of the New Orleans Saints), offered a third round draft pick for Romo, but Jerry Jones refused, asking for no less than a second round draft pick. Romo eventually took over the starting quarterback role from Drew Bledsoe during half time against the New York Giants on October 23, 2006.

2006 season[link]

Romo began the season as a backup to starter Drew Bledsoe. He took his first regular season snap at quarterback in a home game against the Houston Texans on October 15. His first NFL pass was a 33 yard completion to Sam Hurd. His only other pass of the game was a two-yard touchdown pass, his first in the NFL, to Terrell Owens.^[11]

One week later on October 23, 2006, Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe for the start of the second half of a game against the New York Giants. His first pass was tipped and intercepted. His game stats in only his second NFL appearance were: 14 completions on 25 attempts for 227 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown). Two days later, on October 25, Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells announced that Romo would be the Cowboys starting quarterback for the October 29 game against the Carolina Panthers on NBC Sunday Night Football, in Week 8 of the 2006 season. Romo led the Cowboys to victory in his first game as a starter, 35–14. In that game, Romo was Sunday Night Football's "Rock Star of the Game."

On November 19, 2006, Romo led the Cowboys past the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL's last unbeaten team. Romo completed 19 of 23 passes as the Cowboys topped the Colts 21–14. Four days later, Romo helped the Cowboys win in a Thanksgiving Day NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by the score of 38–10. Romo went 22-29 with 306 yards and five touchdown passes with no interceptions.^[12] For his performance, he was awarded FOX's Galloping Gobbler award as the Thanksgiving Day MVP.

Romo aided the Cowboys in clinching a playoff spot, the second since Bill Parcells became coach in 2003. He concluded the 2006 regular season with 220 completions on 337 pass attempts for 2,903 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, with a passer rating of 95.1.

On January 6, 2007, the Dallas Cowboys traveled to Qwest Field to play the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC wild card playoff round. With the Cowboys down 21-20 and 1:19 left on the clock, Dallas attempted a 19-yard field goal. Romo botched the hold for the kicker by dropping the snap as he attempted to set it down. Romo then tried to run into the end zone for an impromptu touchdown, but was tackled at the one-yard line by Seattle defensive back Jordan Babineaux. Seattle took over on their own one yard line. It is unusual for a starting quarterback to be the team's holder since the backup quarterback or punter normally performs that task. Romo had the job because he had begun the season as the backup quarterback. Romo finished the 2006 season ranked seventh in the NFC in passing yards (2,903) and touchdown passes (19).

Romo played in the 2007 Pro Bowl after Drew Brees went down with an elbow injury and Marc Bulger was taken out. Romo threw one touchdown and one interception. Romo was the NFC's holder in the game.

2007 season[link]

Romo began the 2007 season with four touchdown passes and an additional touchdown rush, the first of his career, defeating the New York Giants 45–35 in the Cowboys' first game of the regular season, His 345 passing yards in Week 1 led the NFL. In Week 2, Romo threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns beating the Dolphins in Miami, ranking him seventh in passing yards and tied for second with six touchdown passes.^[13] Romo added 329 passing yards and two touchdown passes in the Cowboys' Week 3 34–10 win in Chicago. The following week, he passed for 339 yards and three touchdowns in a 35–7 win over the St. Louis Rams. He also ran for an additional touchdown. This brought his season totals to 1199 passing yards with 11 passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.

In Week 5 of the season on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, Romo threw five interceptions (four in the first half, two of which were returned for touchdowns), and lost a fumble. He is the second person in the history of Monday Night Football to throw five interceptions in a winning effort. The first person was his QB coach Wade Wilson. Nonetheless, he threw for 4,211 yards (third in the NFL) and 36 touchdown passes during the regular season (second only to Tom Brady). His 97.4 passer rating was good enough for fifth in the NFL behind Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, David Garrard, and Peyton Manning.

On October 29, Romo reached an agreement to a six-year, $67.5 million contract extension with the Cowboys.^[14]

On November 29 against the Green Bay Packers, in a game between 10–1 teams, Romo threw four touchdown passes (bringing his season total to 33), breaking Danny White's (29) record from 1983. On December 22 against the Carolina Panthers, Romo became the first Cowboys' quarterback to pass for more than 4,000 yards in a season. Finally on December 30 against the Washington Redskins, Romo broke the Cowboys' season completions record with his 335th completion, a short pass to Jason Witten. The Cowboys finished the season with a 13-3 record.

In the Cowboys' January 13, 2008 Division playoff game against the New York Giants, Romo was unable to lead his team to a come-from-behind victory. On 4th down with less than half a minute and no timeouts left, Romo threw the ball into the endzone, but it was intercepted by Giants cornerback R. W. McQuarters, ensuring that the Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs with a 21–17 loss.

2008 season[link]

Tony Romo at the AT&T National

On September 7, 2008, Romo led the Cowboys to a 28–10 win over the Cleveland Browns in their season opener. Romo completed 24 of his 32 passes for a total of 320 yards and one touchdown. After the game, Romo required 13 stitches for a large gash on his chin that occurred during the 3rd quarter when linebacker Willie McGinest hit Romo in the chin with his helmet.^[15]

On September 15, 2008, Romo led the Dallas Cowboys to a 41–37 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second game of the 2008 season. Romo completed 21 of his 30 passes for a total of 312 yards and three touchdowns.^[16] The 54 combined points scored by the Cowboys and Eagles in the first half were the second most scored in a half during a Monday Night Football game.^[17]

Romo and the Cowboys would win their third straight before losing to the Washington Redskins, falling to 3–1. Following a win against the Cincinnati Bengals, Romo was injured in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys, under Brad Johnson, went 1–2 the next three games, falling to the St. Louis Rams, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and losing to the New York Giants.

In what became a de facto third playoff game for Romo shortly prior to its start, on December 28, 2008, Romo and the Cowboys failed to compete against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 44–6 loss.^[18] Romo committed three turnovers in the game and went 21/39 for 183 yards and no touchdowns.^[19] The loss dropped Romo's combined record in December to 5–8 and again raised questions concerning Romo's performance in games of consequence.^[20]

2009 season[link]

Tony Romo vs. Kansas City Chiefs - 2009

Romo led the Cowboys to a 34–21 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their season opener. Romo completed 16 of his 27 passes for a then-career high 353 yards along with three touchdowns.^[21]

Romo and the Cowboys were defeated in week 2 against the New York Giants in the Cowboys home opener at their new Cowboys stadium. Romo completed 13 of 29 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown. He also threw three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown for the Giants. The loss led the media as well as other former Cowboys, including Pro Football Hall of Fame member Tony Dorsett, further criticizing Romo and his performances in big games.

Romo was quoted as saying, "We came out stale" against a Denver Bronco team that thoroughly shut down his teams passing and running attacks. But he was successful in completing a 53 yard pass to Sam Hurd at the end of the second half but failed on the following three plays to get the ball in the end zone which would have taken the game into overtime. He was quoted as saying, "we need to get better."

In a December road game against the division rival New York Giants, Romo passed for a career high 392 yards, along with three touchdown passes in a losing effort.

After several kicks were missed by kicker Nick Folk due to bad holds by punter Mat McBriar, Romo resumed holding duties for the first time since the 2006 in their 13th game of the season, versus the San Diego Chargers ^[22]

In week 15, Romo led the Cowboys to a win against an undefeated team late in the season for the second time in his career. In 2006, he won against the 10-0 Colts, and on 19 December 2009, he defeated the 13-0 Saints at New Orleans, throwing for 312 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Romo finished the 2009 season as the first quarterback in team history to take every snap for a full season. He also passed his own mark for single season passing yardage, with 4,483 yards, and became the first Cowboys quarterback to throw 20+ touchdowns and less than ten interceptions in a season. His eight 300 yard games was also a team record, surpassing his own record from 2007. His 1.6% interception percentage tied a team record, and his career interception percentage is now the lowest in franchise history.^[23]

The Dallas Cowboys became the NFC East division champions with their season finale shutout of the Philadelphia Eagles, the second division title in Romo's three full seasons as the starting quarterback.

Romo had a 104.9 passer rating in a 34-14 win of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the playoffs, earning the first play-off win in 13 years for the Dallas Cowboys, and his own first career post-season win.

However the following week in the NFC divisional rounds against the number two seed Minnesota Vikings, Romo had three fumbles (losing two), an interception and was sacked six times in the 34-3 loss.

2010 season[link]

In Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, Romo threw for a career-high 406 yards and three touchdowns. However, he threw two costly interceptions in the 4th quarter, resulting in 34-27 loss at Cowboys Stadium. Romo and the Cowboys were desperate for a win with a record of 1-3 and last in the division. They played against the Minnesota Vikings, who also had a 1-3 record and were in need of a win. Romo threw for over 200 yards and 3 TDs but also threw 2 costly interceptions. The Cowboys went on the lose the game by a score of 24-21.

During the October 25, 2010 Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants, Romo suffered a broken left clavicle. The injury occurred during the second quarter, when Romo was driven to the turf by Giants linebacker Michael Boley.^[24] He was placed on Injured Reserve on December 21, 2010 and replaced by veteran John Kitna.

Records and honors[link]

• 2006 Pro Bowl
• 2007 Pro Bowl
• 2009 Pro Bowl

NFL all-time records[link]

Career[link]

• #2 All-Time Career Passer Rating: 96.9
• #4 All-Time Yards Per Attempt: 8.1

Dallas Cowboys team records[link]

Career[link]

• Games with 3+ touchdown passes: 24 (Previously held by Danny White with 20)
• Games with 300+ yards passing: 32 (previously held by Troy Aikman with 13)
• Lowest career interception percentage: 2.78% (minimum 16 starts; previously held by Aikman)

Season[link]

• Games with 300+ yards passing: 8 (2009)
• Passing TDs: 36 (2007); previously held by Danny White with 29
• Passing yards: 4,483 (2009); only Cowboys' quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season (2007. 2009)
• Completions: 347 (2009); previously held by Romo with 335
• Consecutive games with a TD pass: 20 (2010–11); previously held by Danny White

Game[link]

• On Nov 23, 2006, Romo threw 5 TD passes in a game, a record he shares with Troy Aikman.
• On Nov 13, 2011, Romo completed a team record 88.5% of his passes in a home game against the Buffalo Bills.

Injuries[link]

During the 2008 season, Romo broke the little finger on his right hand (throwing hand) during overtime in an early season loss to the Arizona Cardinals.^[25] He missed the following three games with the injury.

Shortly after the Cowboys 2008 Season-ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Romo collapsed in the visiting team showers from an apparent rib injury.^[26]

During the October 25, 2010 Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants, Romo suffered a broken left clavicle. The injury occurred during the second quarter, when Romo was driven to the turf by Giants linebacker Michael Boley.^[24]

In the first quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Romo took a hard hit that fractured a rib and punctured his lung.^[27] He was replaced for two possessions by back-up quarterback Jon Kitna, but returned to lead the team to an overtime victory. He played the next six games with a kevlar vest for extra protection on the injury.

Personal life[link]

Romo is an avid amateur golfer, and attempted to qualify for the 2004 EDS Byron Nelson Championship and the 2005 U.S. Open, but failed. During the offseason, when not training, he plays golf around Dallas. He failed to make the cut in qualifying for Byron Nelson in 2008.

Romo is also a frequent guest on national sports radio programs. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, he was the co-host of "Inside The Huddle", a one-hour player commentary show that aired on local talk radio in Dallas along with linebacker Bradie James. Romo was replaced for the 2008 season by (then) Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens. The show is broadcast on the KLLI radio station in Dallas.

In November 2007, Romo began dating singer and actress Jessica Simpson. On December 16, 2007, Simpson attended a Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles game at Texas Stadium, in which Romo had a bad performance in the loss to the Eagles.^[28] Further controversy erupted before the playoff game against the New York Giants when pictures surfaced of Romo (along with teammates Jason Witten and Bobby Carpenter) at a resort in Cabo San Lucas with Simpson.^[29]

On July 13, 2009, People reported that Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson had called it quits. A source close to the pop star told the magazine that Romo broke up with Simpson on July 9, 2009—the night before her 29th birthday.^[30]