Tony Romo recently signed a $108 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason. With the heft pay raise, the team is expecting the quarterback to raise his performance level as his salary increases. It is no secret that Romo is an avid golfer, often spending the offseason competing in tournaments. However, that will all change as Romo plans to cut back on his time at the gold course.
Romo is under a great deal of pressure to live up to the contract extension. The quarterback who has failed to bring a successful season to Dallas has no excuses this season. This is forcing him to put in a lot of work in the offseason in an effort to improve. Romo has passed on playing in several top amateur events as well as qualifiers for the U.S. Open. He also gave up his spot in the local Adams Golf Pro Tournament, an event he has won in the past.
No one has heard from Romo since the offseason began. There was no comment released from the quarterback after signing the extension back in March. That is not stopping owner Jerry Jones from speaking his mind. Jones has said Romo needs to be spending "Peyton Manning-type time on the job." Perhaps he was making a subtle dig at Romo's work ethic?
Jones is aiming for Romo to be putting in work at least six days a week in preparation for the upcoming season. He expects the franchise quarterback to be present at Cowboy's facilities more times than not.
While Jones is putting the pressure on Romo, another Cowboy is sticking up for his quarterback. Jason Witten defended Romo and the time he has put into the team.
"I've always felt like Tony was very involved in the process of the plays and our scheme, how we attacked. I think in any organization where you have an elite quarterback like that, you want him to feel comfortable. I think that's something we've always tried to do, and it sounds like we're going to continue to do that," Witten said.
Romo has certainly faced his fair share of criticism, perhaps this time he is finally listening? Romo still has a chance to live out his golf dreams as the quarterback is set to take part in the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe in July. However, if Jones has his way, Romo will be deep into practice instead of out on the links.
