It seems like just yesterday when Tony Romo, beloved quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, went down in the third week of the preseason. We all remember it. It hurt. Remember what we all thought? “He’ll be back soon, meanwhile we’ll win some games with this kid, Dak Prescott. And when Tony gets back, we’ll just move on.” Things sure were different though. Dak started winning. A lot. And when he won, the inevitable happened. The media and fans started talking.
Out of nowhere there was a quarterback controversy in Dallas and just like that, the situation with Dak Prescott and Tony Romo became the story of the year.
It seems unbelievable that all this began all the way back in September, 2016. We, as fans, were divided. Team Tony and Team Dak. Many of us, including Dak, were sure this was Tony’s team. Number 9 was the guy who would lead Dallas to the playoffs, and maybe even to Houston. But a time came when no one could deny it. The Dallas Cowboys had a new QB1.
Dak Prescott had taken over the team
We know the story; Dak Prescott went 8-1 in the first 10 weeks of the season, including victories in an overtime win versus the Philadelphia Eagles and a shootout against Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tony Romo gave an emotional press conference about how Dak, the rookie, had earned the right to be the starting quarterback. For a second, it seemed as if the media would finally stop talking about it and move on.
They didn’t.
In week 14, Dak Prescott lost for just the second time in his NFL career. After a bad performance versus the New York Giants, the Romo talk came back at full speed. People doubted the rookie once again, saying, “He isn’t ready for this moment.” He proved people wrong one more time. After clinching the #1 seed in the NFC, now the talk was…
“Can Dak Prescott do it in the Playoffs?”
Yes, the Cowboys lost in their first postseason game this year, adding an ugly loss to Dak Prescott’s NFL career. But he threw for 302 yards (eighth most by a Cowboys QB in postseason, Tony Romo never surpassed that mark) and became the first rookie QB in NFL history to throw for three touchdowns in a postseason game.
The last question mark Dak had to face before the season ended was answered. Even if it didn’t end the way we all wanted, he played at a great level. He led the team back from an 18-point deficit to tie the game at 28 and then again at 31. He was calm, he was cool, he was himself.
There’s not a single doubt now
I’m a Tony Romo fan. I’ve always been a Tony Romo fan and I’ll continue to be one wherever he ends up playing. He was the first quarterback I ever saw as a young Cowboys fan. I grew up watching him, defending him every Monday at school, and feeling empty when he went down injured. I’d be lying if I told you that up till week 9 this season, I was expecting Tony to return and be the starting QB for this team.
But now, there’s no doubt. Dak Prescott, the story of the 2016 NFL season, the surprise rookie, the new face and the new leader of the Dallas Cowboys, has begun another era for this franchise. For a large generation of young fans, he is only the second guy to come in at this position.
Dak has been the guy since week eight, maybe even earlier. He led the team to 13 wins, the #1 seed, and was close to winning a shootout with Aaron Rodgers — one of the league’s best — in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
Now that the season is over, it’s a good time to reflect. It’s time to recognize Dakota Prescott and trust him as the future of this great franchise.
A new QB, a new face, a new era.
How do you feel about Dak Prescott leading this team in years to come?
Let us know in the comments below, or tweet me @PepoR99 and let’s talk football! If you like football and are looking for an NFL show in Spanish, don’t miss my weekly 4 Downs Podcast!
I’m a 3o yrs old Ben I cowboys fan since I was 5 I was blessed growing up with Aikman I suffered through Bledsoe, Carter, etc, etc I like Romo but never Fell in love. Them boys up Front n Zeke & company, THEY PLAYED FOR DAK!!! It’s hard as a Cowboys fan to watch 12 years of Romos up and downs n injuries And then get a breath fresh air wit DaK Who doesn’t forecefeed it Dez, Spreads it to everybody, and O yeah by the way can scramble and got us some rushing tds. I can’t wait for the future It will be bright But I can say I hope Romo goes to the Broncos I believe we play the Afc West this year coming up That would be Great!! DAK VS ROMO2017
I’ve been a Cowboys fan forever, since the days of Landry. I can honestly say that I will miss Tony. Too bad he didn’t have the opportunity to play with the the strength of the O-line, and Elliott this season…
A true gentleman, athlete and loyal leader. Thanks TONY ROMO #9,
For never giving up!
Tony was my first QB as a young fan. To see his time come to an end is painful for me… I’ll never forget him, I agree with you Shelly, Thanks Tony.
Hey thanks Mauricio,, I have cried over his departure, mostly the way it all transpired,, everyone says.. This is business! Well, business or no business, Tony deserved better that’s for sure! Glad to see there are those who still respect and admire #9!!!
He did deserve better, but at the end of it all he said himself; Dak earned the right to be our QB. Respect for 9 and for 4! Future looks awesome.
Hey Travis! I would’ve loved to watch the Troy Aikman Era… As a young fan my first QB was Tony Romo and to see his era come to an end really breaks my heart. I couldn’t agree more with your excitement for the future! It looks bright and I’m sure Dak will take this team to places that a whole generation of fans have never experienced.
The era of Aikman was truly awesome, as was Staubach!
You guys have posted some really great comments. Usually there are rude comments from bunch of negative know-it-alls.
Once again, a reminder of what a true sportsman Tony Romo is,, Publicly praising Dak Prescott knowing he no longer held his position, had to have been gut wrenching. I can only imagine the hurt and embarrassment he felt from the all the negative comments the media and public were saying about him. Yet he stood in front of millions of eyes and conducted himself as a true gentleman. I hope you get your well deserved ring of honor Tony Romo!
I hope so too, Shelly! Thank you for reading our site!
Change! Yes he did! Clear and Convincing(not a mere preponderance of evidence)! .
Been a diehard Cowboys fan since Dandy Don Meredith and the great Bob Hayes, the original #22. I’ve seen the ups and downs of the Cowboys. The greatness of Coach Landry with the innovative landry hitch and the doomsday defense. Jerry Jones buying the Cowboys and bringing in Coach Johnson, to revitalizing the Cowboys, back to greatness. I’ve witness, the transactions of Meredith, Morton, Staubach, White, Peuller, Hoogeboom, to Aikman, Walsh, Carter, Hutchinson, Testerverdy, Bledsoe, Romo, taking the keys of the franchise, with various results. Only Staubach and Aikman, bringing home the Lombardi Trophy back to Big D.
Now, I’m witnessing, a quarterback, that as a rookie, has accomplished what normally takes, a veteran to accomplish. I’m excited for the Cowboys organization future, with Dak, handling the keys to the franchise. I admire his Tom Brady like qualities, at the quarterback position. I think not only will Dak be the face of the Cowboys, but the NFL, as well, down the road, because of his humility and work ethic towards his profession. Dak maturity, is off the chain. After, it’s al said and done, I truly believe, that Dak, will be spoken in the same breath as Staubach and Aikman, he`s that special, like Romo and Brady.
Hey there!
Dak is truly special, I agree with you. There’s something about him… you just can sense it. Years to come will be great for this franchise. Thanks for reading!