Tony Romo, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL commentator, found himself in hot water after making complimentary remarks about former President George W. Bush during the Eagles-Cowboys game on Sunday. Romo’s comments, made live on air, sparked a backlash from some fans who were critical of his praise for the 43rd president of the United States.
The game itself, which saw the Cowboys fall to a crushing 34-6 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles, was being broadcast from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Among the crowd was George W. Bush, who served as president from 2001 to 2009, and his presence in the stadium drew attention when he was shown on the broadcast.
When the cameras focused on Bush, Romo, who was behind the microphone calling the game, began to heap praise on the former president. “He’s also very impressive,” Romo said. “He loves sports, he loves America, one of the great human beings you’ll ever meet.” The glowing comments came as the cameras captured Bush, who was sitting alongside his wife, former First Lady Laura Bush.
Romo’s remarks drew swift criticism on social media, with many fans expressing their discomfort and frustration. Critics pointed out that Bush’s tenure in office included controversial decisions, notably the invasion of Iraq and the broader war on terror, which have left a lasting impact on American foreign policy and public opinion.
One fan took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure, saying, “Tony Romo waxing on and on about George W. Bush has me ready to vomit.” Another fan sarcastically added, “‘He loves sports & he loves his country.’ You forgot to say, ‘he loves endless wars and the military-industrial complex.’” The comment highlighted the sentiment among many who felt Romo’s praise was tone-deaf given Bush’s controversial legacy.
Another critic simply remarked, “That should tell you all you need to know about Romo,” while a third fan added a pointed comment, “He’s a great guy… if you love war.” These comments underscored the strong emotions that the former president’s presence and Romo’s praise elicited among segments of the viewing audience.
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George W. Bush and Laura Bush were at AT&T Stadium as part of the NFL’s “Salute to Service” weekend, which honors members of the military.
The couple participated in the pregame coin toss, with NBC announcer Jim Nantz explaining that the Bushes often attend the event, making it a tradition to honor service members during the annual Salute to Service festivities.
The game itself was a rough outing for Romo’s former team, as the Cowboys struggled against a dominant Eagles squad. Philadelphia cruised to a 34-6 victory, handing Dallas its sixth loss in nine games this season.
While the focus for many was on the Cowboys’ disappointing performance, Romo’s comments about Bush became a significant talking point in the aftermath of the game.
Romo, known for his enthusiasm and often light-hearted commentary, seemed to be caught off guard by the backlash his remarks received.
While some viewers appreciated the former quarterback’s positive attitude and his attempt to bring attention to the Salute to Service event, others felt that his praise for Bush failed to acknowledge the more controversial aspects of the former president’s legacy.
The incident highlights the challenges that broadcasters face when attempting to navigate public figures with complex histories.
In this case, Romo’s well-meaning words were perceived by some as a failure to recognize the broader context of Bush’s time in office, sparking debate among fans on both sides of the political spectrum.
As the Cowboys look to regroup after their latest defeat, Romo will also be hoping to move on from the controversy and refocus on what he does best—providing insightful analysis and entertaining commentary for NFL fans.
However, the incident serves as a reminder that, in the world of sports broadcasting, even seemingly innocuous comments can sometimes lead to unintended consequences and strong reactions from a passionate audience.
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