Tony Romo: NFL Broadcaster

28:28I'm like, that's kind of a prerequisite for a spotter. Like legitimately, you guys would get that into it. So we don't play each other. It's like, what are the rules? It's like, it has to be like so far removed. Like we got to go because we're both so competitive that we're just like, we're never allowed to play. Your little one grew three inches overnight. Adorable. Also expensive. Sell their pint size pieces on Depop and list them in minutes with no selling fees. Because somewhere, a dad refuses to pay full price for the clothes his kids will outgrow tomorrow. And he's ready to buy your son's entire wardrobe right now.

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29:37Drink responsibly. Jägermeister liqueur, 35 % alcohol by volume. Imported by Masked Jägermeister, U.S., White Plains, New York. I'm like a trip. Will you guys play on the flight home then? Not at all. So I heard it was like a tradition now that you guys play video games on these flights. Yeah, we sprinkle those in for sure and we do that. But it's not like we learn very quickly we should not be doing this against each other. So it's like Tom will play the computer for the Super Bowl or something. Fun's that. Yeah, it's great. He wins it every year. He's amazing at it. You mentioned briefly earlier about you practicing to get ready for your first broadcast.

30:16You and Jim Nance did practice sessions at games. You were also in a local studio here in Dallas with the Cowboys. radio voice like what did those sessions entail a lot I mean Jim Rickoff Jim Nancy put in so much time you know before we ever started just because we wanted to make this successful and you know I was so terrible and raw that we I just I just know you only get one shot at first impressions and so I feel like you'd rather not wait and see how it goes you'd rather kind of have a good idea before you start. So I just I wanted to be prepared and we practiced a lot trying out different stuff and trying to find what really makes the difference between you know because there's really not winning and losing per se.

31:09It's not like you look at the scoreboard and say I won today. If I kept winning in this thing we're probably doing okay. You know I wanted to get beneath it and kind of be like well what was it that this world like what is it that wins and loses and And then it's like, well, how do you evaluate that? And then it's like, okay, that's hard already to figure that out. Then it's like, well, what is that based on? Well, then it's the fans. So people have to like it? Okay, well, what do people like? I don't know. Let's go look at the best in the world and see what they do and see what I like while watching them and see if I can study them.

31:40And then start to kind of morph it into what you think you can do your own self. How was the biggest issue that you were having from an operational standpoint? Touching a button and talking, you know, someone's talking in your ear, like there's a million things that go on. Use a telestrator, you know. Just like, there's so many like nuances that they become normal and you start to, it's like a routine of anything. But it's like my wife would be like, hey, why don't you go ahead and make dinner tonight? It's like, great, if we're making eggs or steak or something, I'm cooking on the grill. But she was like, hey, make this chicken cordon bleu over there and put it in the oven.

32:21I'm like, okay, let me go ahead and start with what? What is that exactly? So it's kind of like that. You're just trying to figure out what's the first step here. Where do I not mess up big? Then you go from there. What's the deal with predictions? Yeah, I mean, it's kind of overblown a little bit. I mean, I feel like I'm just trying to teach football and talk about it. It's not like I'm trying to, you know, predict or, you know, It's not deeper than just talking about what you're seeing. The Wall Street Journal, though, did a whole story. Yeah, I can remember. They counted up all the predictions and success rate and found that you do the most in the fourth quarter of a close game.

33:04They interviewed you for it. They did. They came up to you. I can remember the reporter. He's a nice kid. He goes, and we counted to see how many of your predictions are right. I was like, oh, gosh. And I was like, okay. And he's like, well, do you want to know what percentage you got right? I was like, nope, I do not want to know. I'm like, I don't want to hear 4%, 9%. And then he made it, you know, it was quite a bit higher. So I was like, oh, I'm kind of okay with that number. It's like a completion percentage. 2018 AFC Championship game. Two people close to you when I was just talking to them both brought up that game.

33:44being almost a turning point for you as a broadcaster, if nothing else than in terms of perception and positive feedback and all that that you received following the game? Yeah, that's a good point of view from them, I guess. I mean, for me, though, it's like you do a game, and like I said, there is no scoreboard at the end. So when I did that game, I can remember walking out, and it's like, wow, what a great football game because it was a great football game and it had, you know, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes to go to the Super Bowl. I mean, it came down. I mean, it was overtime. Just rare you get those perfect scenarios.

34:31I feel like when I left the stadium, we're walking out and it's like, great game. Good job, guys. Everyone's good. and you know, hey, should we order a pizza or do something kind of thing? And I walked down, we get down to the bottom, and you know, I can remember the faces of just like the whole team and everybody and how excited everybody was. Like it was different as far as like, everyone's like, that was unbelievable. And I'm like, that was a great game. They're like, no, what you did was incredible or something. I'm like, oh, thank you. That was really nice of them to say. I'm good at that, very often that's really nice.

35:05and then next one I was like wow it really was a good game I mean it's like you don't even know you're just doing your job and and then afterwards Bryce Harper's posting on social wanting you to tell him where he's gonna sign with it oh yeah yeah yeah it's just I mean it's just football is very unique in that we all love it and stuff and hopefully I do a decent enough job to like help people like it. What was the takeaway or lesson learned from your first Super Bowl that will help you for this next one coming up? Really for me it's always evaluating just like the things I care about, you know, which I'm not gonna share deeply, but Super Bowl went well.

35:51Obviously it was not a high scoring game, so it makes it a little bit, people, the excitement of it sometimes is less when it's lower scoring. But, you know, I appreciate a low-scoring game, same thing. And I feel like it's a game that was similar to the AFC Championship game and similar to the week before. I mean, you're doing your game. So you don't have nerves going into that or nerve management or anything. Yeah, I mean, I feel like you're always excited. Yeah. You know, I feel nerves would be – that's the excited start of doing something that you feel is cool. You know, you feel lucky to be in the position.

36:23You know, I feel very fortunate to be able to do something like that. but I'm excited to talk about it and see what's going to happen. I'm excited for these two teams and see who's going to change their lives right here today. So we have an envelope that I've been asked to give you. Oh, boy. This never turns out well. Never turns out well? Just the random surprise envelope. So as mentioned, I was talking to your friend, also an Eastern Illinois alum and Saints head coach Sean Payton, about you the other day, and he asked me to give this to you. Okay.

37:05It's a check for$10 ,000. Signing bonus. What's the story behind that? That's pretty funny. So Sean Payton was the quarterback coach, really our office of coordinator, when I was coming in. He called the plays, you know. And Sean went to East Illinois. And so when I came out, I was a free agent. So you have to sign with the team. And so what happens is you've got different teams calling, and so people offer you money. But you didn't get drafted, so they're not giving you very much money. So what happens is free agents, sometimes it's like, oh, this team will pay you this, this team will pay you that.

37:48Well, if this is the only chance you're going to have to make money, you go with, like, the most amount of money. So if someone's going to give you$30 ,000 and this other team's giving you$5 ,000, you're going to the$30 ,000 team. Well, I had a couple teams that were offering, you know,$15 ,000. Then I went to$20 ,000,$25 ,000. You know, it was$30 ,000, I think, for one of them. And the Cowboys and Sean Payton are at$10 ,000. Now, I'm sitting there, and I'm like, can we move that up to$20 ,000, you know? And Jerry Jones is like, Bill Parcells and Jerry Jones are sitting there. and I'm like, hey, can we do 20?

38:24You know, I tell Sean Payton, he goes, let me go ask Jerry, you know, because I'm like, I kind of want to go there, but I'm like, Mike Shanahan's over here in Denver, I like him. And Sean comes back on, and he's like, yeah, it's going to be 10. Now, behind the scenes, it was already at 10, I was asking for 20. Behind the scenes, Sean goes back there, and Jerry's like, you like this guy? He goes, I really do. I think he really could be a good player. I think I really do like a lot of his trades. And he goes, all right, well, let's give him 20. I mean, what are we dealing with? This is a quarterback if you think he's got a chance.

39:00Sean's like, nah, I got him for 10. Comes back on, Sean's like, yep, I can only get him for 10, but I think you should do this stuff. So I was like, okay, you know, I'm just like, money doesn't really matter. You try for a second, then you're like, all right, 10 it is. I'm going there. at Sightwet and over the years Jerry's told me the story of Sean he goes I don't know you that well yet Sean Payton but you just saved me ten thousand dollars Jerry Jones thanks you you know and Sean's like I got off to a good start in Dallas and then uh so he I've always joked he's he's owed me ten thousand dollars all these years because he was the only reason I didn't get an extra 10 so he he finally paid me the 10.

39:43It just goes to show you how much he's getting paid over there in New Orleans. Well actually in all seriousness he brought this up when I was talking to him he said how cool is it that you know we both went to Eastern Illinois not the you know hotbed a talent and I'm now the highest paid coach in the world and Tony is now the highest paid sports announcer in the world. I think it's uh Eastern Illinois has been rare because they've had, I mean, the people that have come in the football world, it's incredible. The coaching, I mean, Mike Shanahan, Eastern Illinois, Sean Payton, Mike Heimerdinger.

40:22I mean, there's like five or six guys who have all come through there. And I think, you know, Sean's always been a special friend to me. He's been great. I got started with him when I was young in the NFL. And the fact that he gets to, I mean, he's well-deserving as a coach. He's that good. and it's a great call by New Orleans to go get him. And, you know, for me, I feel lucky that I get to broadcast. I mean, the fact that we both get to stay in the NFL, you know. Sean was in the NFL. He played quarterback during the strike shortened season. He's got one of the worst plays I've ever seen on film.

41:00Oh, really? I mean, it was just a bad interception. Then he tried to tackle and it was even worse. I mean, it was terrible. But he... He said you guys have a little friendly competition going on the salary front. And he asked me, he said you sent him a message after, you know, you got yours. And he asked me to point out that after bonus on his end, he could be up to 18 a year. Well, as you know, I don't talk about contract stuff. But Sean is really well deserving. And he actually, you know, I'm just glad I gave him my$10 ,000. On the contract front, no, we aren't going to get into specifics. But, you know, we were talking earlier about your grandparents, migrant workers, immigrated to the U.S.

42:02you know your dad was working long hours finances were tight and through you know your own just hard work like you're living the American dream and your dad pointed out yesterday when I was talking to him on the phone that your success you know has been able to completely shift the course of the Romo family in terms of like generational wealth that you know you're talking about what was the first time with this new deal that you just got an understanding for the magnitude of what it could be well 2007 was the first big deal I ever received that was like life life-changing I mean really I I remember the story with my second year in the league when Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells sit me down right before a preseason game.

43:03Cornered you? Yeah, they cornered me. Literally were like closer than this. And they're like, Tony, we can't play for the whole league to see and go out here. I mean. You hadn't started a game yet? Nope. I was in year two. They're like, we need you to sign this deal for$500 ,000 or something. I'm making league minimum. $250 or so. And I just told them right there, I was like, I completely understand why you guys would say that. And if I was in your shoes, I would do the same thing. I also think that the only way I want to play, that's all I care about. So the only way, though, that you'll play me is if you have something invested in me that makes you want to see if I'm worth it.

43:51And if you guys just don't really, if the money doesn't really matter to you, then I don't see that you'll have a need to give me the reps to see if I can actually play. So I just told him, I said, you know, for me, it was like$2 million over two years. It was like two years. It had been like four total. I was like, for that, I feel like you'll want to like, you might have like an opportunity. You might actually put me in a game to see. And so. And who the heck are you? at the time. You're just a backup quarterback talking to the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the greatest coaches ever to live.

44:31Believe me, I didn't want to do it. It was as nerve-wracking a situation as I've ever been in. But I was just telling him, I said, I really believe that you guys would feel a little bit more pressure to at least play me. Because I said, if Drew Bledsoe takes our team to the NFC Championship this year, I'm not playing. And next year, he's back again. And for that, it's like, I just want to get on the field and have an opportunity. You really show myself, too, if I can do this and be good. Because, you know, you're practicing, you think you're getting better, and you're like, you just want an opportunity.

45:06And it's shocking how long two, three years feels like. I mean, it felt like a lifetime when it was three years and, you know, some games before I ever played. And that was the moment right there where when I said that, you know, I was just trying to be logical. and Jerry's like, we're going to do it. Done. And I was like, oh my gosh, I'm the richest guy in the world. I just got$2 million and it's like, I'm pretty sure I could, the rest of my life, I'm going to be just fine. And it's real money then. Oh my gosh. I mean, that's the biggest one really at the core where I felt like you were, you changed your course, right?

45:51Then in 07, a few years later, after I'd played. And by the way, so when I walked out of that room... Zootopia 2 has come home to Disney+. Let's go! Get ready for a new case. We're the greatest partners of all time! New friends. Gary the snake. And your last name? The snake. Dream team. The new habitats. Zootopia has a secret reptile population. You can watch the record-breaking phenomenon at home. Zootopia 2, now available on Disney Plus Rated PG. And right now you can get Disney Plus and Hulu for just$4.99 a month for three months with a special limited time offer ends March 24th. After three months, plan auto renews and$12.99 a month, terms apply.

46:29The world moves fast. Your workday, even faster. Pitching products, drafting reports, analyzing data. Microsoft 365 Copilot is your AI assistant for work. Built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 apps you use. Helping you quickly write, analyze, create, and summarize. so you can cut through clutter and clear a path to your best work. Learn more at Microsoft.com slash M365 Copilot. Jerry and Parcells told me later on, Jerry says, you wouldn't believe, right when you walked out of that room, Parcells looks at me and he goes, we got ourselves a quarterback. Did you see how poised he was with that?

47:09Come on, Jerry. And they were like hugging like kids. And I'm thinking, hopefully they didn't take offense to that whole thing. Right. So what did that teach you? It just, I mean, I wouldn't say it taught me a whole lot. It just taught me that, you know, tell the truth. I mean, just like you can literally stand there and if it's, you don't need to make stuff up and everything. I mean, that really, everything I was thinking was like, this is why I think this would be better. I mean, like, obviously you want, you know, to get paid, but I wanted to get paid so I could play. Right. You know, it wasn't just the money.

47:44It's like, listen, I'll pay you back the money. I'll go back to$500 ,000 if you play me. You know, and so that was the feeling. And I feel like, you know, that probably taught me just, you can stand up and just tell people the truth a little bit, and it'll be fine, and people respect that. And 07 was the big one for, you talk about the changing of the family and stuff. That was where we signed a big deal, and that was just silly amounts of money. So, but that was, that's what happens. I mean, you get lucky sometimes and catch a break. With this one with CBS, not talking numbers specifically, when you found out what the offer was, how did you find out and what was your reaction?

48:25Yeah, I'm not going to go into detail on just the contract stuff now because I feel like it doesn't. Like I've always said, maybe in 15 years after my football career is over, I'll tell you that stuff. Well, so not talking any numbers, just like you get a call? Yeah, I just don't think it's I just don't like talking about contract stuff. It just all right. Here's one That's not contract specific then I talked to Your dad at Pebble Beach, you know, we're talking about the Dunhill tournament in Scotland You're a big golfer obviously And I'm like, yeah, I kind of bum deal. It's in the fall You know Tony can't play in that because it was a broadcasting schedule and he's like well Well, if he's broadcasting on Monday night, it frees up some time.

49:17And I was talking to him yesterday, and he said, actually, he was surprised that you didn't end up going to Monday Night Football.

49:29was there a point in which during the process you doubted it would end up being able to work out with CBS the people who you know kind of plucked you from the NFL to the number one job yeah the one thing that comes just dad and everybody everyone asked me a million times and I just, you know, like anything, people are just guessing on everything. But I don't really, you know, nothing's that big a deal. And like I said, I just don't talk about, like, you know, some of that stuff. It's just, you know, I'm lucky to be in the position I am. How did you find out it was done, and who was the first person you told?

50:14When you go through anything in life, you always talk to your wife. You know, she's been there supportive through everything in my life. And, you know, I'm just lucky to have a great woman. And, you know, I'm just fortunate to be able to announce football games. And, you know, I'm lucky, you know, that I have a great team at CBS that's fantastic. And I'm just very fortunate to be around Jim Nance and the people and have a special wife who helps you through all the stuff you go through in life. And it's always a fun ride. What did she say? I love you. Oh, come on. She was very supportive. of and you know I know everyone likes to sensationalize everything but sometimes it's just yeah just life.

50:59Why does it make you uncomfortable talking about that topic specifically or you know contracts? I've just always said I just don't think it you know like I said maybe 15 years down the road you'll bring back up to Parcells Jerry Jones story kind of stuff yeah but yeah I just don't think it's Is it embarrassing? No, I just don't think it does anything. You know, it's just, like I said, you just, you work hard and try and sometimes you catch, you know, a break or you get lucky once in a while. And I've been very fortunate in this life, I know that. You've earned it, you know? Yeah, I appreciate it.

51:38So, just shifting gears. Since I know you want to keep on the topic, but I'll, you know. injuries. What hurts? Well, before this, you're coming from the back doctor, I think. What hurts on you today? Well, I mean, probably an easier question. I mean, it's your back. I've had back surgeries and stuff. And so that means there's a million things. But every morning I go up to the clinic and go get worked on. And then I do a routine and you work out and do that and try and get yourself aligned and activated, elongated, all this fun stuff and allows me to be active and do the stuff I want and keeps you young.

52:21How concerned are you if any about long-term impact to your body? No, I mean just you work hard and try and ensure and do a lot of things now to protect all that so but things are going to happen they're going to happen and you just fight like heck. You want to run through some of your injuries over the years and just get Like the first thing that comes to what? Go ahead. All right, how about starting with when you collapse in the shower after the 2008 Eagles game? Yeah. That was a rib cartilage that pops out. That's really fun to remember that moment. That thing would just knock you down. It was almost like something was just stabbing you.

53:09That was no fun. But it's impressive the injuries that you've had and the caliber of play that Impressive is one term you could use. I wouldn't necessarily go with that. You just play. I mean, you're a quarterback. You fight through stuff. Everyone fights through stuff when they play football. It's like you're not going to play and not be hurt at different times, or at least you're not going to play through pain. So it's not like you're doing anything revolutionary there. Broken ribs and punctured lung. Everyone plays through all this stuff. Collarbone injuries? Definitely one to play through.

53:42I think I tried a little bit, but I probably shouldn't have. How about the ruptured disc in the back? Yep, played a game with that one. That was a poor decision, I think. In 2014, you broke three bones in your back, and you were back, I think, a game and a half later. Yeah, I sat out a game, yeah. How do you manage to, you know, when you're in that kind of pain, still get back out on the field? It just means so much to you. I mean, you're competing, you just want to win, and you just want to help your team win. And, you know, if you're a quarterback, it means a lot. You being out there affects a lot of lives, and I think you just want to help your team, and you just know how big a game is to get in the playoffs at the end of the year, or to, like, get seeding, or whatever it is.

54:25It's just, like, these games matter a lot. And like I said, everyone plays through a lot. You fractured clavicle in 2015, or a few times, right? Yeah. the clavicle was just one that kept you know kind of breaking and so we finally figured it out but by that point I was well on my way to talking like Graham Bensinger the fractured vertebrae in 2016 preseason Nick was telling me at that point you finally got into a point where everything was slowing down for you I guess you Nick have had conversations about that explain what that means? Just the game. You started to know it to a point where it was like math, where it just got, you know, toward the end of your career.

55:13I just, there's a few times I, you know, you get hurt and you can't keep playing and help your team win, but as far as when I was healthy and playing during that stretch, I was, I felt pretty confident about executing. And you would almost know what was going to happen before it actually happened, right? Just as you get older, most veteran quarterbacks they just have a good idea you know within the game on how to adapt and do little things that can help you you know win and football is such a team game I mean it still comes down to your team and you know how that you execute and and stuff but the more knowledge you have the faster you play it slows down for you but you can play faster because you just know so much more that you can and use things against people on the other side, if that makes sense.

56:05And to what extent do you feel like when the game had started to slow down and when you had an idea of what was going to happen before it happened that you were entering your best years, but that time kind of got compressed because the body wasn't holding up? Yeah, I think, I don't know, there's no big...

56:28You just slowly get better. you're improving and then things start to be more efficient and yeah I mean you'd obviously like for all those things to add up in one time frame but yeah I'm not sitting here saying this is the other part this has happened before people are saying you know do you wish that I'm like I don't think the good Lord has given me a raw deal in this life I think I'm very fortunate I feel very lucky and no one deserves some of the really positive stuff that I've received. And it's what makes you want to just say thank you and give grace toward others because it makes you have empathy in this world because you just feel very fortunate to have some of these really unique, special things happen.

57:19I've heard you say that before. And, I mean, certainly you're the luckiest guy around, but you, I mean, worked hard and earned it. The question I've had before when I've heard you say that is, you know, because you're all about improvement, to what extent do you feel you maximized your talent? Yeah, I don't really go back a ton. I'm always kind of going forward. I just think the biggest thing is, like, how lucky is it you get to wake up in the morning and be excited? That's such a small thing, but I'm like, that really is a great gift if anybody has that, that you're actually excited to get up out of bed and go do something or try something.

57:57That's what throwing the football was like for me, like trying to figure out how to improve, how to figure out how to beat this team this week. These were really enjoyable things to wake up and do. And they just shifted, but it's like, man, I have these joys and they're really special and I feel like that's a gift. It really is that I don't want to ever take for granted. 2016, you're out. Dak wins eight straight games. How did you find out that when you came back in week 11, you weren't going to be the starter anymore? Well, I think anybody who's winning that game, their team was playing so well.

58:36I mean, it's kind of what will always happen. I mean, you just don't mess with that kind of success. and just Coach Garrett, you sit down, you talk. I mean, just, but it's kind of like, you know, you assume in a lot of ways as well. Describe what it's like to know you're the best at what you do, but you have to take a step back because that's what's in the best interest of the group. Yeah, I mean, just such a team sport. You know, football is not really about any individual, But yet, we all want to be the best. And we all want to be, you know, one of the major reasons that you guys are winning and being great.

59:19But, you know, as you become a dad and you kind of get older, you can also see there's multiple sides. I mean, it's just not about me. It's about so many more people. But I just feel like when your team's playing well and everyone's playing really good football, that's just it's a team sport it's not about an individual the speech that you gave your parents said when they were watching it that they were both crying you used terms like soul crushing and a dark place why was it important to you to say what you said there well there's multiple reasons one just so we don't have to you didn't have to sit and do that every there's just gonna be every time when you get healthy everyone was just gonna then in the locker room from media to questions and your teammates are just wondering how people are feeling and stuff like that too and it's a little bit uncomfortable on everyone around that who has a relationship with me and so you want to help that I think the other one too is just an opportunity for kids you know you think about how many kids out there want to play and start and be the best, and sometimes you have a setback or things don't go your way.

1:00:42You know, like I said, being a dad, you kind of hope sometimes they handle things a certain way, and sometimes it's better to try and live it than just tell them sometimes, and I felt like I could just help, you know, some kids out there are just going through it. I want to wrap up by talking to you about Candace and fatherhood. First, the first date with Candace. I understand you kind of tricked her. At the time, I was like, hey, Candace, a bunch of us are going to a movie tonight. If you want to join in, you know, come by. I pick you up around 7 if you want. She's like, oh, yeah, okay. I'm great.

1:01:26Sure enough, I show up, you know, 6.55 or something like that. She gets out and I'm like, ah, everyone dropped out. It's just me and you. She's like, good. So I was like, would you have me still gone? She goes, probably. But it definitely made me more comfortable that everyone was going. I was like, I may have said that to make you more comfortable. I think I mapped that one out pretty good. Your buddy Tommy called it apparently after two dates that this was the person you were going to marry. What was different? Just her. I mean, she's just... She's just rare in a lot of ways. Very exceptional.

1:02:07And you still meet many like her, I'll tell you that. She's special. How about the most romantic thing you've ever done? Most romantic thing I've ever done? Hmm.

1:02:31There's two different ways to say that because one of them is what I think is the most romantic. I'm going to ask her too. So let's see if it's... The most romantic thing I've ever done for her. There's just too many. I've done too many romantic things. All right, what's one that comes to mind? Romance is interesting because I feel like sometimes just love in general, just grace, just your ability to, you know, we're just going to go through the ups, the downs, the positives, everything. and weave our way through this and watch these kids grow up. I feel like that's something that is really romantic at its core, I guess.

1:03:10Just that you can really trust someone. No matter what happens in this world and all the craziness that goes on, then we're just going to sit there and be together in the end. You have three kids wanting you more? I always tell her, I'm up, and she's always like, we're not having you more. We were not every once in a blue moon. We'll be on date night or something, and she'll be like, we need to really figure this out. Are we going to have a fourth? And I'm like, what happened to no more for the last month? And now tonight you're thinking maybe? No, no, no. Unless you were thinking it, Tony. I'm like, I'm fine.

1:03:47It's whatever you want. But I think she's more often than not saying probably no more. How's being a dad? I love it. Yeah, it's the best. It really is. What's the best part and the hardest part? I mean, the best part is just you got three little, like, best friends running around all the time. And you're just, for me, it's just, I'm fun, Dad. Canada's like, do I have to tell you to also put your bowl in the sink? I already have to tell them. And I'm like, you do not have to tell me again. And they're just really, really enjoyable and fun. And they're really good kids. And that part of it's the best.

1:04:25the worst. I mean, usually just sleep. When the kids are young growing up, you're always, someone's waking you up every 45 minutes before your alarm is going to go off pretty much every morning. So, but that's really an easy thing in this sacrifice for them. Whether it's Hulk Hogan or Andre the Giant or Bird versus Magic or the Hoosiers, I understand you're trying to get the kids up to speed on some of your childhood favorites. Oh yeah. No, I build them up. But if they're playing NBA 2K, Michael Jordan is for the title if someone has him or something. So I'll sprinkle in stuff with him all the time.

1:05:02And I like to show them great stories, great moments. And they love it. It's fun. How do you think you'll be able to find the balance between all the opportunities that you'll be able to create for them because of the success you've had without dampening motivation?

1:05:22I find that stuff's... I don't worry about that stuff. I just want to instill in them... They're going to be who they are. I just want to instill in them certain values, certain things, and then they're going to be themselves. At the end of it, Dad's just here to love them and guide them whenever they need that. And I think, you know, they'll be motivated in certain things. They won't be. I mean, it's just like any human being. It's just going to be, hopefully they find something they're passionate about and they can wake up and enjoy something as they work at it. And I'll wrap with this, the last question.

1:06:01What are your dreams and aspirations for them? Your dad told me to ask that. I think I just want them to, you know, understand it's not, you know, it's not all about them. I mean, they're very fortunate in this regard that in this life, I think you're just lucky sometimes like me, just, you know, having the parents I did or having an environment or certain things to achieve certain things that not everyone gets an opportunity to. And for them, I want them to love the Lord. I want them to understand that they were given gifts. They're also sinful little rugrats that run around and are going to mess up and it's okay.

1:06:48And then on top of it, just have empathy for people. And I don't really mind the success stuff as far as what the achievement comes from it. I just want them to be good people. And I want them to care about others and love on their mom and stay close to the Lord. Thank you very much. Thanks, Graham. Appreciate you hounding me. I was not that thankful, was I? No, it wasn't. You're great. Thanks for listening to my conversation with Tony Romo. So, kind of a funny moment. Uh, we had taped an episode previously with one of Romo's buddies and a fellow Eastern Illinois alum, Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

1:07:35So Payton and Romo had basically an inside joke going where Payton, uh, owed Romo$10 ,000. And so Coach Payton texts me that I should give a check to Romo for$10 ,000 from him. But because we were doing the interview so quickly, we didn't have the time to actually get a check from Coach Payton. So we mocked one up to present to Romo in an envelope that he opened during the interview, only to later find out that his wife had to be stopped from going to the bank to deposit it because we foolishly forgot to share that it was actually a fake check. but we think Sean was good for it. If you'd like to see that or any other content from our day with Romo, including some time on the golf course with our shared buddy, the PGA's Will Zalatorris, go to youtube.com slash Graham Bensinger.

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