Tony Romo's Dating Playbook: A Look At His High-Profile Romances Before Marriage

Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who transitioned seamlessly into a celebrated NFL broadcaster for CBS, has always been a figure of public fascination. While his on-field heroics and insightful commentary are well-known, many fans are equally curious about his personal life, particularly his journey to finding love. Before settling down into a happy marriage, Romo had a notable dating history, featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment. This article delves into the "who's who" of Tony Romo's past relationships, from highly publicized romances to the woman who eventually became his wife.

Tony Romo: From Field Star to Family Man

Born 45 years ago, Tony Romo carved out an impressive career in American football, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL. His prominence on the field naturally extended to his personal life, making his relationships a frequent topic of discussion in the media. Today, Romo is a happily married man, a devoted father, and a respected voice in sports broadcasting. But before he found his lifelong partner, he navigated the complexities of dating in the public eye, experiencing both passionate romances and the inevitable breakup rumors that come with celebrity status.

The Early Celebrity Romances: Carrie Underwood

A Budding Star and a Country Idol

Tony Romo first got a taste of love as a celebrity with country music superstar Carrie Underwood. Their relationship reportedly began in 2006 and lasted into 2007. It's said that the two started dating in 2007, and by all accounts, they were "head over heels in love," making their romance a hot topic across various media outlets. Romo, leveraging his growing prominence, dated Underwood, a former contestant on American Idol, barely two years after she won the reality singing competition. This relationship marked one of Romo's first high-profile connections, setting a precedent for the kind of public attention his future relationships would attract.

The Highly Publicized Relationship: Jessica Simpson

A Pop Star and a Quarterback

Following his romance with Carrie Underwood, Tony Romo entered into an even more widely publicized relationship with American singer and actress Jessica Simpson. Their relationship began in November 2007 and continued until 2009. The media's spotlight on this couple was intense, fueled by their respective celebrity statuses. Interestingly, the age gap between them was minimal, recorded as just 0 years, 2 months, and 19 days.

Their relationship wasn't without its dramatic moments, especially concerning Romo's performance on the field. One particular incident stands out: On December 16, 2007, Simpson attended a Dallas Cowboys–Philadelphia Eagles game at Texas Stadium. Romo had a notably bad performance in the loss to the Eagles that day, leading to immediate public scrutiny. Controversy further erupted before a crucial playoff game against the New York Giants, a game the Cowboys would ultimately lose, with some fans and media drawing a connection to Simpson's presence. Despite the intense public scrutiny and the "breakup rumors" that often swirled around them, their relationship lasted for nearly two years, cementing its place as one of Romo's most famous past romances.

Finding 'The One': Candice Crawford Romo

A Different Kind of Connection

After navigating the high-profile world of dating pop sensations, Tony Romo eventually found his lifelong partner in Candice Crawford. Romo and Crawford were first romantically linked and began dating in 2009. Their connection was seemingly different, perhaps more grounded, as Candice, a sports journalist and former beauty queen, shared a professional understanding of the sports world. What fans might not know is that Candice Crawford Romo is also a sports journalist, and the pair actually met while Candice was an intern for the Dallas Cowboys. This unique meeting point provided a foundation for their relationship, away from the typical celebrity circuits.

Candice Crawford is also known as the sister of actor Chace Crawford, famous for his role in "Gossip Girl." Chace himself revealed in a 2016 interview on "The Rich Eisen Show" that his sister and Tony Romo met during her internship with the Cowboys, adding another layer to their meet-cute story.

After nearly two years of dating, Candice Crawford and Tony Romo tied the knot in May 2011. Their wedding was a significant event, held at Dallas' historic Arlington Hall, as reported by People magazine. Their family quickly grew, with their first son, Hawkins, born on April 9, 2012. Today, Tony Romo is widely recognized as a happily married man, with his marriage to Candice Crawford often highlighted as a testament to finding enduring love after a string of high-profile relationships.

Beyond the Headlines: Romo's Dating Journey

Based on available information, Tony Romo had at least three relationships prior to dating Candice Crawford Romo. While not all details about Tony’s past relationships, partners, and breakups are fully known to the public, his romances with Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson were undeniably the most prominent. These relationships, while drawing immense media attention, ultimately led him to the stable and fulfilling partnership he now shares with Candice. It's no surprise that someone of Romo's stature ended up marrying a former beauty pageant queen who competed in Miss USA, completing a narrative arc from dating "bombshell singers" to settling down with a woman who understands his world from a unique perspective.

Tony Romo's dating history before meeting his wife, Candice Crawford, is a classic example of a celebrity's journey through love in the public eye. From his initial "taste of love as a celebrity" with Carrie Underwood, to the "much publicized relationship" with Jessica Simpson, and finally, finding "The One" in Candice Crawford, his path was certainly eventful. Many football fans have caught up on Tony Romo’s personal life, including his marriage to fellow journalist Candice Crawford, recognizing the happy conclusion to his search for love.

Summary of Tony Romo's Key Relationships:

Carrie Underwood (2006/2007 - 2007): One of Romo's first high-profile celebrity romances, widely reported as "head over heels in love."
Jessica Simpson (2007 - 2009): A highly publicized relationship that garnered significant media attention, including controversies linked to Romo's on-field performance.
Candice Crawford Romo (Dating 2009, Married May 2011): His current wife, a sports journalist and former beauty queen, whom he met while she was an intern for the Dallas Cowboys. They are happily married with children.

In conclusion, Tony Romo's dating history before his marriage to Candice Crawford was as dynamic and high-profile as his NFL career. From dating country music and pop superstars to finding his true match in a fellow sports professional, Romo's journey through love culminated in a happy and private family life. His story is a testament to how public figures navigate their personal lives, eventually finding stability and happiness away from the relentless glare of the celebrity spotlight.