Tony Romo offers defiant response to backlash as fans call for CBS axe

Tony Romo has responded to fans who are calling for his CBS job after an on-air ‘disasterclass’ last weekend.

Romo, 45, was on the call for the Buffalo Bills’ win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL playoffs, and was panned by fans for his performance.

Getty

The under-fire broadcaster left viewers frustrated by making strange noises in the booth and pointing out the obvious on the field.

Some fans have since urged CBS to replace their lead color analyst with J.J. Watt, who garnered positive reviews in his rookie year alongside Ian Eagle as the network’s No. 2 duo.

Romo’s call has become a major talking point in recent days, and the man himself has now offered an explanation, of sorts, for his struggles.

Tony Romo responds to fan backlash over Bills-Jaguars broadcast

During an appearance with SiriusXM’s Adam Schein on Wednesday, the former NFL quarterback revealed he was battling an illness during last Sunday’s game.

“Oh yeah, we had a bunch of guys sick, we were just grinding through it,” Romo said.

“But you’re not gonna miss a playoff game, it’s too much fun.”

After Romo revealed he was under the weather, he was then asked if he has ever taken any notice of the conversation around him, positive or negative.

Schein did not specifically reference the Jags-Bills game, but asked if the former Dallas Cowboys star ‘pays attention to people online’ during the postseason as a broadcaster.

“Anytime you’re in a position like we are — we’re on the air for three and a half hours — you’re always trying to do the best you can and everything,” Romo said.

“There’s always going to be moments where there’s great stuff, then other stuff. It’s just part of being in your position.

Getty

“You just go back to work and you do a great job. That’s the fun part about this. It’s sports, and it makes it fun.

“We’re just trying to make everyone enjoy the show, learn a little bit and have a great time. To me, it’s what makes sports amazing.

“It’s fun.”

What game will Tony Romo call next?

At this moment in time, there is no indication that Romo will be taken off the air, or step away from his role as CBS’ lead analyst, despite some viewers calling for his head.

He will be on the call alongside Jim Nantz as the Bills head to Mile High to face the No. 1 seeded Denver Broncos in their AFC divisional round match-up on Saturday, January 17.

That is the first of four games this weekend, split between four broadcasters.

Getty

The NFC clash between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers will take place later on Saturday evening, and airs on Fox.

On Sunday, the New England Patriots host the Houston Texans in the second AFC match-up, which will be broadcast by ESPN/ABC.

The divisional round weekend wraps up with NBC airing the Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams.

CBS is then set to air the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25.

NFL's Greatest......

Ranking the top 10......

Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?

Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?

Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and more

Tight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?

That will be Romo’s last assignment of the season, with NBC broadcasting Super Bowl LX.

Whether he returns in 2026, though, will be up to CBS.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.