Calling The Shots

The biggest breakout star of this NFL season? Not Kamara or DeShaun. It’s TONY ROMO, who has made the move from the pocket to the booth look easy and quickly become the best broadcaster in football.

- Richard Deitsch

CBS GAMBLED heavily last April by naming former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo as its lead NFL game analyst. With zero broadcasting experience, he would be learning on the fly while doing CBS’s most significant NFL game every week. I argued then to start Romo off on the No. 2 team. But I was wrong:His work has exceeded expectations all season. Romo’s knowledge of the league—specifically formations and fronts of teams and how an offense attacks a defense—has made him an instant hit and an invaluable resource for viewers. His natural enthusiasm and love for football shine through.

Nearly through his first season in the booth, Romo talked about his preparation,working his first Cowboys game and the best drive he’s called all year.

SI: Have the first 13 weeks of the NFL season validated that the decision to enter broadcasting was the right one for you?