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Tony Romo went from the guy everyone laughed at for shitting the bed late in big games to the guy we all wish was sitting at our Thanksgiving table holding court about shitting the bed late in big games. Nobody has had a more surprising rebrand since Ray Lewis killed a guy (allegedly) and then forced us to take him seriously as an analyst.
But Romo’s success in the booth can’t be chalked up to just an intrinsic gift of the gab. The dude needs to prepare.
The 38-year-old recently revealed to the New York Post his pre-game ritual. And no, it’s not guessing what Jim Nantz ate for lunch or how many fingers he’s holding up behind his back. It’s…singing.
“It gets your voice ready, and it has taken on a life of its own,” Romo admitted.
Romo claims he busts out in song at the top of his lungs 10-15 minutes before kickoff. He is obsessed with the “A Star Is Born” soundtrack since he saw the movie with Jim Nantz, but also digs U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga.
“We go through different songs,” Romo said. “We usually finish with ‘Red Hill Mining’ from U2, and I usually try to make Nantz hit the high note.”
It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that Romo busting out in song while Jim Nantz prepares in a less colorful manner would annoy his broadcasting partner. Far from the truth.
“It is the funniest thing you’ve seen in your life,” Nantz said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I’ll FaceTime my wife and family and tell them I love them,” Nantz said of what he does before kickoff. “Tony will make his way over and customize some lyrics for my little boy, Jameson.”
CBS reportedly has pre-game video of Romo’s spontaneous concerts and may choose to air that footage during Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to draft up a petition that calls for Maroon 5 and Travis Scott to be replaced with Tony Romo for this year’s halftime show.
[h/t New York Post]