Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is leaving football and going into broadcasting, according to an ESPN report.
On Tuesday afternoon, Romo tweeted a picture of himself wearing the CBS blazer with the caption "I guess it's time to start dressing up."
Dallas is reportedly expected to designate Romo a post-June 1 release, softening the blow against the Cowboys' cap this season. Instead of counting $24.7 million in 2017, Romo would count $10.7 million this year and $8.9 million in 2018. The Cowboys would gain $14 million in cap space, but it would not become available until June 2. But after Tuesday, Romo will no longer be with the Cowboys.
A source told ESPN the decision came down to health because Romo believes his family and health are paramount at this time in his life. He played in parts of just five games over the last two years due to injury, including a compression fracture in his back last season.
Tony Romo finishes with a career record of 78-49, but was never was able to get the Cowboys past the divisional round of the playoffs.
Romo already has informed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of his decision to step away from the game for now, sources said. The networks courting him also are aware.
Dak Prescott was expected to be the starter next year in Dallas after leading the Cowboys to a playoff run last season. But now, rather than Romo testing the free agent market, he will be testing retirement.
Romo's absence allowed Prescott, the Cowboys' second fourth-round pick last year, to ascend to the starting job. After losing the season opener, the Cowboys won a franchise-record 11 straight games. Prescott finished his rookie season with 23 touchdown passes and just four interceptions and was named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year.
Disappointed he would not have the chance to win the job back, Romo diffused any controversy with a heartfelt statement backing Prescott upon his return. He served as the backup for the first time since 2006 and saw action in just one game, throwing a touchdown pass on his lone drive in the 2016 finale against the Eagles.
