Tony Romo’s Contract: Unpopular Opinion

2.29.20

Image from @tony.romo

Tony Romo has recently agreed to a $17 Million per season contract to stay with CBS as a sports analyst. If Romo had not signed the contract, he would have entered a “free agent” next week with the potential for other stations such as ESPN to bid heavily to get him to swap networks. This is reportedly the largest contract in history for sports analyst.

Players such as Michael Thomas are not thrilled with the news of Romo’s new contract. Thomas has reported there is no way that announcers should be making more than 90% of players in the NFL. Thomas has been working on a $22 Million contract. While almost there but not quite, Julio Jones last year contract extension brought him up to this goal.

So what I have to say to this, is that as you grow and prove yourself, as the program gets larger and gains more resources, they will get the money they deserve. I think that Romo earned his money. He played in the league for fourteen seasons, in one of the most critical positions. Romo made $127 Million in his four season. Three of them, he was paid more than the $17 Million he will be now receiving. As he did make record breaking numbers as a player, he is someone who can be trusted when calling a game for viewers at home to understand. The players are entertaining for us to watch. But for those who like to actually listen and learn and hear everything that is going on, the announcers are helpful. I’ve learned so much from listen to Jerry Remy just talk through an entire Red Sox game. Different sport but I feel like it’s so important. Whenever they’re on the road or have day games I literally have to watch with my computer on mute because I cannot stand how dumb and boring other announcers are. I feel like Romo is liked in the space, he has the experience and the knowledge, so he deserves the money as much as anyone in this field making millions does.

Beyond a record of skills and likability, it’s a business. CBS knew what they were up against. They had thought Disney would bid him at $20 Million a season. ESPN said these allegations were crazy, but we won’t have the chance to see. CBS knew they needed to act and put up a number to keep Romo stay. They did just that, which definitely shows his loyalty as well, as he couldn’t have waited a week and entertained other offers. Overall, I don’t care about this number. He deserves it.