Tony Romo, Running Away With NFL Man of the Year, Hopes to End Homelessness

I'm running out of superlatives to describe the awesomeness that is Tony Romo. Apparently, the Cowboys quarterback's generosity knows no bounds. In September, after the team throttled the Browns in Cleveland, Romo stopped to help a stranded couple change a flat tire.

Given that he had played a 60-minute tackle football game earlier in the day, and then sat on a plane for the nearly 1,200-mile trip back to Dallas, it's a testament to his munificence.

But there's more. According to the Dallas Morning News' Tim MacMahon, Romo is also doing his part to end homelessness, one marginally funny 90-minute movie at a time.

A homeless man who goes by Doc was cashing in change at a Cinemark theater in Dallas when a guy walked up and offered to pay his way into the movie ["Role Models"]. Doc, who planned to spend his day passing out flyers for a few bucks, accepted a rain check before realizing that he recognized the generous gentleman [as Romo]. ...

Romo, who confirmed the story but didn't want to elaborate, waved Doc over to sit by him and his buddy. Doc sheepishly mentioned that he hadn't showered in a few days. "Don't worry about that," Romo said. "I'm used to locker rooms." ...

"For me, it was a blessing," Doc said. "It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you."

That's about the swellest story I've heard since, well, I learned about Romo changing that tire. Whatever your thoughts about the Cowboys (or Rowdy), it's hard not to have a ton of respect for their starting quarterback. So thanks, Tony, for making the world a better place. Hugs and kisses, sir.

Latest Cowboys Photos

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) holds his right pinkie after making a few passes during practice at the Cowboys training facility in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman reaches up for a pass during drills at football practice at the team's training facility in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys running backs Felix Jones (28) and Marion Barber (24) stand in the end zone waiting to participate in drills during football practice at the team's training facility in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) stretches along with the rest of the team before the start of football practice at the team's training facility in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) makes a throw during football practice at the team's training facility in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, front, prepares to make a throw as backup quarterback Brooks Bollinger (5) looks on during football practice at the team's training facility in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

** FILE ** In this Nov. 16, 2008 file photo, Washington Redskins punter Ryan Plackemeier punts the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Landover, Md. It's the Washington Redskins in a burgundy state landslide! Thanks to the team's aggressive vote-early-and-often-campaign, Redskins are leading the NFC Pro Bowl ballotting in 16 of 19 positions. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

** FILE ** In this Nov. 16, 2008 file photo, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis rushes for a short gain during the first quarter of their NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo celebrates on the field after defeating the Washington Redskins in their NFL football game in Landover, Maryland November 16, 2008. REUTERS/Molly Riley (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Terrell Owens #81 of the of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to the game against the Washington Redskins during their game on November 16, 2008 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jaime L. Mikle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

11-19-2008 @ 4:47PM

AMart7 said...

I don't know if this is sarcasm or legitimate kudos to a pretty decent guy. If Tony Romo was the worst QB in the history of the NFL, he would still be a nice guy who doesn't do any of this for attention or recognition. Too bad there aren't more people like this in the world.

11-19-2008 @ 10:19PM

Mac said...

I wonder if he slipped him 2 bucks and bought him a pop corn steak, WOW what a guy.

11-19-2008 @ 6:35PM

Sue said...

superlatives to describe the awesomeness that is Tony Romo

You are kidding right?

11-19-2008 @ 6:28PM

Sports fan said...

Nice guy, I admit that. Why shouldn't the NFL population reflect the citizenry at large?He's no more special than the dad that volunteers coaching 30 kids for little league, or the mom who runs the pta, or the students who work the food banks. Give me a break. I expect someone in the NFL to give a damn. this should be the rule and not the exception.

11-19-2008 @ 8:30PM

Emmett Salas said...

There can never be enough Tony Romo in the professional sports nowadays. Maybe this should be included in all rookies welcome aboard speech when they report for training. Al,l,other professionals who fail drug test (more than once ) and get i n trouble with the law should learn that they are not so special and not above the law. Thanks Tony for being who you are .

11-19-2008 @ 6:51PM

11-19-2008 @ 8:26PM

Holly Smith said...

What a fine example to the young people. He is teaching by example,and we need more like him...It shows that one can be a "big shot" and still be a kind and generous human.....

God bless him...

P.S. I am not a football fan,but I believe in giving credit where it is due !

11-20-2008 @ 10:55AM

robb said...

Come on Guys Holly must have some very lonely Sundays

Dee said...

ALL other NFL, NBA, NHL...etc. pro-athletes should take the hint and follow his lead. I know a lot of active and retired pros do help others, and some even without wanting the kudos...but all should. Even if they have a foundation, or chairity that they help, they should, at least once or twice a year, help someone just for the heck of it, someone they don't know, but who really needs it, a single mom who struggles to make ends meet, a sick father...someone down and out.
I know some do...but not all. God Bless Those Who Do. T-Ro, I knew you were a good guy, something in the eyes I guess. Thanks for what you do and all the others who do the same, pro's or just simple Joes.

11-20-2008 @ 8:56AM

j warren said...

tony could be a leader in showing the world what the usa was in yearts past. being an american and a vet, i have seen our counrt fail in it's duties of helping someone when it was needed. today it is all about money--i hate to say it but that is the down fall of our beautiful country. thanks to all

11-19-2008 @ 8:33PM

elaine bartosavage said...

I have been very impressed with the majority of the cowboy players .Having attended a few games in Dallas i have always been happy with the players attitude of the players to the fans. It just makes sence that Romo would continue in that attitude . I wish it had been my tire . you are a assett to the cowboy's attitude. thanks Tony

11-19-2008 @ 8:53PM

hank hare said...

Very well put Elaine. Those are My sentiments exactly. Hankster

11-20-2008 @ 9:55AM

hank ohare said...

Tony Romo : We need more Tonys in the N.F.L. God bless him & the Dallas Cowboys, for having him. I pray he will lead them to the super bowl, & win It...

11-19-2008 @ 8:52PM

Momof3 said...

Please, then explain if he's such a good guy, Why oh Why is he saddled with the likes of such a dingbat as Jessica Simpson. Wise up and help yourself, not just others, toss her into the endzone.

11-19-2008 @ 9:06PM

Dave said...

Good Job Tony. If more players would spend more time doing positive,common things like you do instead of running in the bars & getting involed with the wrong element, people would start looking at them with resprct instead of a bunch of overpaid kids.

11-19-2008 @ 9:37PM

Rubinski said...

As a Cowboys fan.. i hate reading or hearing of negative press about the team i cheer for. none of us know these people. i assume 90% of players come from humble beginnings. drop out of college early and feel a sense of entitlement. once handed millions of dollars when they are drafted. it is refreshing, hearing about Players of all sports doing something nice for the common man. as far as his choice of women. jessica or carrie underwood?? leave him alone. we would all die to be with either. rich and beautiful. i am sure both very nice people. quit hating guys.

11-19-2008 @ 9:39PM

Tommy Ray said...

The rule not the exception.....give me a break REALITY CHECK TIME. Major sports is made up predominatly of wealthy illterate drunks who high point in life is to shag as many strippers as possble. Nice guys should stand out and be recognized. And in regards to the Jessica dingbat line.....buddy get a life I am sure your wife is thinking she should have dumped you. What gives you the right to judge who dates who?? Do you have the hots for Romo or what??

11-19-2008 @ 9:17PM

ajax said...

ask the people he took the time to help . they all say he's a great guy we should have every person in the world just like romo the fact is we don't . when there is a nice guy trying to do the right thing we have idiots trying to knock him down losers

11-19-2008 @ 9:21PM

packmanJONES said...

WHEN I GROWUP I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE ROMO !!!!!!!MY HEROWS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS!!!!!!!

11-19-2008 @ 9:22PM

rms said...

I think he should get recognition for the good he does. Lets not judge how stupid his girlfriend is, that is off topic (fyi, she is making a heck of alot of money playing dumb)- I don't believe she is as stupid as she acts. Dumb as a fox.
Never mind how horrible some professional athletes are, never mind they should do more (most rich people DON'T). He should get the credit he deserves, lets not bash a man who seems classy and down to earth. He appears to be raised well. (any of us can only speculate, we don't know him- or her)_