Network chair Sean McManus paid top dollar to keep Tony Romo under the CBS umbrella when his contract expired last winter, retaining the former Cowboys quarterback on a new deal that made him one of the highest-paid announcers in all of sports. Among his many trademarks, Romo has consistently wowed fans with his ability to predict plays before they happen. Romo hasn’t leaned as heavily on that shtick this year, though his prognosticating prowess is still a fan favorite.
Of course, the 40-year-old will always have his critics including former Washington coach Jay Gruden, who isn’t particularly impressed by Romo or his fortune-telling gimmick. “I could do it every time,” Gruden scoffed in his sit-down with Ben Standig of The Athletic. “He’s only right like 30 percent of the time."
Gruden, who was let go from his position as Jaguars offensive coordinator when new coach Urban Meyer brought in his own staff this offseason (he served under Doug Marrone in 2020), is mulling his own transition into broadcasting. Before his return to coaching with the Raiders in 2018, Gruden’s brother Jon was a natural behind the microphone, earning widespread praise for his work on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
“I got a couple of things lined up. Maybe try my hand at commentating, studio, something like that,” said Gruden when asked of his plans for 2021. “I love the game. Love to talk about the game, love to be part of it.”
Though this would be his first time in the broadcast booth, Mike Florio of NBC’s ProFootballTalk thinks the outspoken Gruden would immediately succeed in that role. That remains to be seen, though if Gruden does land a TV gig this upcoming season, he probably won’t be asking to pick Romo’s brain.
“Nobody talks about the times when he’s wrong, but when he’s right, holy cow, he’s a genius,” said a dismissive Gruden, taking another swipe at Romo’s supposed pre-snap telepathy. “Come on, man.”
Romo may not be for everyone, though Gruden’s mockery of him seems misplaced. Even if his play-calling savvy is overstated, fans don’t flock to Romo for his predictions. As noted by ESPN’s Mina Kimes, Romo is beloved for his youthful exuberance and infectious energy. If Romo’s enthusiasm makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience, does it really matter if he’s only right half the time?
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram