Tony Romo transitioned from star Dallas Cowboys quarterback to sports commentator with relative ease. While other athletes have tried to make the shift to television with varying degrees of success, Romo struck audiences right away due to his brilliant insights and a great eye for the game. Because of this, the 39-year-old could have a lucrative career for years or decades.

The rise of Tony Romo off the field

Much like Romo became a star player overnight, he became a star commentator almost immediately, too. His final two years in the NFL were plagued with injuries. Many wondered if he’d try to give it one last go. Instead, he retired and almost instantly joined Jim Nantz at CBS. Fans quickly noticed Romo’s talent at predicting an offense before the snap. 

A Wall Street Journal study revealed that Romo was correct on 68% of the calls he predicted during his first two years in the broadcaster’s booth. Analysis and prediction is only part of what Romo does, however. What also makes him stand out involves his conversational style and on-screen charisma. He is, in many ways, the perfect package.

Now that he’s found his niche, however, other networks may clamor for his services. If that happens, he may soon have a very good payday.

How much does Romo make?

According to The Action Network, Romo is currently making $4 million per year. Eventually, the time will come when Romo can explore the waters and take the best offer. Then, CBS would need to make a hefty offer to retain the prized commentator. The only question is how much a broadcaster is worth for his company. 

To decide this, The Action Network looked back at John Madden. He may be the namesake of a video game franchise to a younger crowd, but he is arguably the most famous football commentator in history. At the height of his broadcast career, Madden made $8 million a year, roughly equivalent to $14 million today. Is this the type of salary Romo will seek?

Romo’s value as a broadcaster may be hard to measure. He is entering the final year of his initial contract, and CBS will have to ask a question. Will people tune in to see Tony Romo as some do for basketball commentator Bill Walton, or does he just happen to benefit from a built-in audience?

Stack this on top of Romo’s other interests, and there could be an interesting contract negotiation on the horizon.

Coaching rumors and Romo’s other interests

Romo is a man of many interests. There have been rumors and wishes that he will pursue a career in coaching. With an eye for the game like Romo’s, this rumor isn’t entirely unfounded. There is, however, not much to back up his desire to coach past people saying they wish he would explore it. 

Romo also has dreams of becoming a professional athlete of a different sort. Although unlikely to make the cut, Romo is currently in the middle of his fourth attempt to make it onto the PGA Tour as a pro golfer. He’s long been a passionate golfer. By some chance, if he made it into the tournament, he may have more leverage to get a broadcasting contract that could sway him from a second athletic career.

Romo is a diamond in the rough. In an industry dominated by older voices, he is a new, young voice with a vocal fanbase. Could he soon be riding this to an even greater payday?