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NFL viewers are upset with play-by-play announcer Tony Romo for “ruining” the final call of Super Bowl LVIII. Rather than allow fans to let the moment sink in, he rambled on for 30 seconds while players celebrated on the field.
The commentary took away from the incredible finish for a number of folks.
Romo and Jim Nantz were on the call for what ended up being an exciting Super Bowl matchup between the 49ers and Chiefs. The scoring started slowly, seeing a scoreless first quarter and just one touchdown in the first half altogether.
The second half offered a stark contrast, though.
The two NFL powers traded blows throughout that final 30 minutes, eventually needing overtime to break a 19-19 tie. San Francisco took the ball first in the extra session, landing a field goal on its opening drive.
That left the door wide open for some late game heroics from Patrick Mahomes and Co.
Taking the ball 75 yards on their ensuing possession, Kansas City used up more than seven minutes of clock over 13 plays. That drive ended in dramatic fashion with Mahomes finding Mecole Hardman in the endzone for the winning score.
Here’s the call from the CBS crew.
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WITH THE SUPER BOWL!
(And Tony Romo does a lot of talking/yelling) 🏈📺🎙️ #SuperBowlLVIII pic.twitter.com/ScQ2D3ByYq
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 12, 2024
Many immediately blasted Tony Romo for his unnecessary commentary. It didn’t help that he confused listeners further on the NFL’s overtime rules leading into this call.
“He really ruined a special Nantz call.”
“Game-winning TD and Tony Romo rambled for 30 seconds straight. That made my blood boil.”
Even fellow play by play announcers were peeved with the call.
I never understood the Tony Romo hate but now I get it.
As a play by play announcer, this is a pet peeve.
Tony, a legendary moment just happened. Either let Jim continue to talk or let the nat sound and the visuals take over! Stop talking! pic.twitter.com/VHOzSQQXE2
— Lane Gillespie (@LaneGillPxP) February 12, 2024
Most wanted Romo to either let the emotion and celebration of that final play take over the broadcast, or to let Nantz finish his thoughts.
The play-by-play caller has been criticized in the past, though his co-host has come to his defense.
Unfortunately, he continues to upset viewers with his long-winded habits.