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- Troy BallardI really don't like Tony Romo that much.
Well, actually, I should say that I don't like Romo anymore. Despite being a Philadelphia Eagles fan, my opinion on the Cowboys' most important puzzle piece was actually quite high. I enjoyed watching Romo play for a number of reasons — the most important being that it just looked like he had a pure love for the game.
He always smiled. That was the kicker for me. There's nothing better than watching an NFL player that is fueling his performance with nothing but pure admiration and respect for that game. That smile made him such a likable guy.
My personal team affiliation aside.
However, Romo changed. He stopped smiling. He took a much more serious role. Call that the Dallas media changing yet another man, or that he had to take that new title for the betterment team — but I didn't like it. Regardless of the reason. I just didn't like it.
And yet, here I am, double-backing on my original opinion — Romo is back in my good graces.
It isn't based off of his play. It isn't even based off the fact that he is smiling again (because he's not, from what I have seen). Instead, Romo has managed to redeem himself in my eyes during an interview he did talking about troubled Cowboy wide receiver, Dez Bryant.
For those who haven't been keeping tabs on Dez, the kid reminds of a much more criminal Terrell Owens. The biggest difference between the two is that T.O. did flat-out dumb stuff, and Bryant is doing stupid stuff that ruins a career.
The latest chapter in the Bryant-saga is the allegation that he assaulted his mother. This newest disaster adds to an already quickly growing rap-sheet, one that includes offenses similar or worse than the one above.
Due to his latest breakdown, there have been rumors and talks of the Cowboys possibly parting ways with the talented wide receiver. Nothing serious, and certainly nothing official, but it is now on the table.
Last year, around this exact same time, I wrote a piece talking about why Dallas needed to dump Bryant (said article can be found here!). Turn the clock forward to this July, and my original thoughts are starting to look deadly accurate.
However, this is not an article about Bryant, it is about Romo. And in said interview, (which can be found here!), Tony absolutely shocked me. Instead of posting entire quotes, I am going to pull words and phrases that sum-up his sentiments beautifully:
"have his back"
"there for him"
"stick up for him"
"stuff happens"
"wish that certain things wouldn't"
"friends and your teammates"
"these moments show"
"continue to develop"
Just from those short clips — Romo pulled-through big time. Not just in the way of backing up a buddy, but in a mature and respectful manner by showing legitimate sincerity. His tone, demeanor and overall attitude reflected that of a leader and someone who believes in Bryant.
Bravo, Tony.
This is the side that I want to see. The kind of Romo that makes it hard not to think, damn, he is a cool dude. For those on the outside looking-in, we don't really know what's going on in Bryant's life, and neither does Romo for that matter — but by showing this kind of level-headedness and confidence, I have no doubt that this situation will defuse.
It may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but Tony, you won back one fan today. And if my judgment is correct, I'd assume many more are on their way. Congrats.
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