Joe Don Romo

[Shake_Tiller]

This is something I threw out some time back, to deafening silence, and maybe that’s what it deserved. But I have no pride.

I’ve seen Tony Romo compared to Danny White. Lately, he has even been “compared” to Troy Aikman, though more in regard to what hasn’t been achieved.

I wonder if Don Meredith isn’t the Cowboys QB with whom Romo shares the most traits. Meredith was a happy go lucky guy who drove Landry crazy with his off-beat view of the world and the game. I remember reading, maybe in Garrison’s book, about how Meredith was at the line of scrimmage in one game, heard the MLB bark out the exact play he was about to run, called an audible, heard the MLB bark out the new play. Meredith stopped calling signals and snapped something like this to the MLB: “Hell, you’re so (bleep) smart, you call the (bleeping) play.”

Meredith was cool. Once the Cowboys charter plane got in trouble in a storm. The pilot told everyone to assume crash positions, and grown men were crying, praying aloud… Meredith sat with his boots up on the seat in front of him, smoking a cigarette. “Joe Don!” someone shouted. “We’re about to crash!” Meredith said: “Well boys, it’s been a good one.”

Meredith was physically very, very tough. He took an awful beating playing for an expansion team. He played for a while with a nose broken so badly, the contraption on his face made him look like Darth Vader.

Meredith was wonderfully talented. I believe Landry once called him the most physically gifted player he ever coached. And he was tremendous at more than one sport. For many, many years – maybe to this day, for all I know – Meredith held the record for the most points scored in the Dr Pepper Basketball Classic, a prestigious high school tournament played annually in Dallas.

But Meredith came up short in the biggest games he ever played, including throwing an end zone interception against the Packers that started the Cowboys on the road to being known as “Next Year’s Champions,” a moniker only Staubach was able to erase.

Meredith retired just past 30, physically and emotionally spent. Much of the fan base had turned on him, though he was a local boy from Mt. Vernon and SMU. He was the Cowboys’ first great quarterback, but he retired without a championship. He did alright for himself in the broadcasting booth, though, and he sold a lot of Lipton tea.

Landry felt Meredith was insufficiently serious. Garrison thought Meredith was a better leader, even, than Staubach. But I’m not sure whether that view was universal among the players. Meredith’s leadership was “cool,” and Staubach’s was “hot.”

Meredith also was maybe a little indifferent about football. Clearly he loved the game, loved playing. But Meredith didn’t see football as being his “life.” He had other interests, and most of them revolved around fun and/or privacy. He’s a complex guy, it would seem. He hung out with Hollywood celebrities and enjoyed the NYC night life, but when he had enough money, he became a virtual recluse in Santa Fe, or so it seemed. I don’t think he was as much a recluse as he was a home body.

I sense that Romo shares many of Meredith’s traits – both in terms of physical ability and personality and in terms of emotional ambivalence. Do any of you see the same thing? For that matter, do any of you see it differently?

 

[DandyDon1722]

Shake, excellent post. Meredith was all the above. He also sang in the huddle before calling plays during crucial situations.

The interception in the Green Bay playoff game was not his fault. There was a blown assignment and Dave Robinson came in free and blew the play up, he had no chance, he just had to throw it up.

One more quick story. After a humiliating Cleveland playoff loss, Don agreed to an interview in the locker room in his underwear. He was devastated by the loss and could barely talk. CBS went with it live (waist down) and Frank Gifford who did the interview was so impressed with him that he recommended him for Monday Night Football a few years later, which led to his acting career and really elevated him as an American star.

The lesson... a defining moment shaped his life because of the class he showed after such a devastating game. ( I can hear the Romo comparisons already coming) .

Romo = Meredith is right on. Except I believe Tony will win and win big when it's all said and done. He just needs to figure some things out.

 

[TheDude]

I'll pad for you

Nice post. I think you may be right...however, many probably don't remember or if they do, don't want to think about the fact Romo may not win it.

I don't know if this makes sense, but I think the most successful players in any sport hate to lose more than they love to win.

I always thought Romo loved the competition and tried to win, but I haven't bought that he abhorrs losing - kinda like meredith

 

[utrunner07]

Awesome post, though I don't agree Romo will win the big one (nor will he get there) but still a very good read. Thanks.

 

[theebs]

good post man.

i am to young to have seen him play. the only things i really no about him are from what I have heard or read.

 

[Idgit]

...One more quick story. After a humiliating Cleveland playoff loss, Don agreed to an interview in the locker room in his underwear. He was devastated by the loss and could barely talk. CBS went with it live (waist down) and Frank Gifford who did the interview was so impressed with him that he recommended him for Monday Night Football a few years later, which led to his acting career and really elevated him as an American star...

First, excellent thread. And Meredith was just before my time, but I'll go way out on a limb and say that if they went live with a shot of Meredith in his underwear that it probably wasn't from the waist down.

 

[jday]

This is something I threw out some time back, to deafening silence, and maybe that’s what it deserved. But I have no pride.

I’ve seen Tony Romo compared to Danny White. Lately, he has even been “compared” to Troy Aikman, though more in regard to what hasn’t been achieved.

I wonder if Don Meredith isn’t the Cowboys QB with whom Romo shares the most traits. Meredith was a happy go lucky guy who drove Landry crazy with his off-beat view of the world and the game. I remember reading, maybe in Garrison’s book, about how Meredith was at the line of scrimmage in one game, heard the MLB bark out the exact play he was about to run, called an audible, heard the MLB bark out the new play. Meredith stopped calling signals and snapped something like this to the MLB: “Hell, you’re so (bleep) smart, you call the (bleeping) play.”

Meredith was cool. Once the Cowboys charter plane got in trouble in a storm. The pilot told everyone to assume crash positions, and grown men were crying, praying aloud… Meredith sat with his boots up on the seat in front of him, smoking a cigarette. “Joe Don!” someone shouted. “We’re about to crash!” Meredith said: “Well boys, it’s been a good one.”

Meredith was physically very, very tough. He took an awful beating playing for an expansion team. He played for a while with a nose broken so badly, the contraption on his face made him look like Darth Vader.

Meredith was wonderfully talented. I believe Landry once called him the most physically gifted player he ever coached. And he was tremendous at more than one sport. For many, many years – maybe to this day, for all I know – Meredith held the record for the most points scored in the Dr Pepper Basketball Classic, a prestigious high school tournament played annually in Dallas.

But Meredith came up short in the biggest games he ever played, including throwing an end zone interception against the Packers that started the Cowboys on the road to being known as “Next Year’s Champions,” a moniker only Staubach was able to erase.

Meredith retired just past 30, physically and emotionally spent. Much of the fan base had turned on him, though he was a local boy from Mt. Vernon and SMU. He was the Cowboys’ first great quarterback, but he retired without a championship. He did alright for himself in the broadcasting booth, though, and he sold a lot of Lipton tea.

Landry felt Meredith was insufficiently serious. Garrison thought Meredith was a better leader, even, than Staubach. But I’m not sure whether that view was universal among the players. Meredith’s leadership was “cool,” and Staubach’s was “hot.”

Meredith also was maybe a little indifferent about football. Clearly he loved the game, loved playing. But Meredith didn’t see football as being his “life.” He had other interests, and most of them revolved around fun and/or privacy. He’s a complex guy, it would seem. He hung out with Hollywood celebrities and enjoyed the NYC night life, but when he had enough money, he became a virtual recluse in Santa Fe, or so it seemed. I don’t think he was as much a recluse as he was a home body.

I sense that Romo shares many of Meredith’s traits – both in terms of physical ability and personality and in terms of emotional ambivalence. Do any of you see the same thing? For that matter, do any of you see it differently?

I've always compared him to Roger Staubach, considering his gunslinger style and his ability to avoid the rush, however, I can see the comparison you are making, in terms of temperment. But as a fan, I have to believe that by the end of his career, he will have acheived what Meredith never could: A championship. Romo is the true defintion of a competitor. He just has a few things that he needs to figure out before he can rally the troops like Staubach was infamous for.

 

[utrunner07]

Romo is the true defintion of a competitor.

I STRONGLY disagree.

 

[Duane]

Don't have much to say because I never saw Don play. Just wanted to thank you for the great read this morning.

 

[Rackat]

I can see both Roger and Meredith in Romo. I think some of your comparisons are spot on in reguards to Meredith/Romo, but I see a lot of the never give up/make something happen that Roger had in Romo as well.

 

[Chief]

Great post and great thread. You did a great job of nailing the enigmatic part of Meredith.

We all try to categorize these players, especially the quarterbacks. Romo is his own guy, but I agree shaketiller, I think Meredith is who he most resembles. Especially the fun-loving, happy-go-lucky type, and the natural physical talent. He's the furthest thing from Danny White as I can imagine.


I've read that Meredith's teammates talked about what a great competitor he was ... more so than the public saw because of his jokes ... how much he hated to lose. Hopefully, Romo has something like that that we don't always see.

 

[Angus]

This is something I threw out some time back, to deafening silence, and maybe that’s what it deserved. But I have no pride.

I’ve seen Tony Romo compared to Danny White. Lately, he has even been “compared” to Troy Aikman, though more in regard to what hasn’t been achieved.

I wonder if Don Meredith isn’t the Cowboys QB with whom Romo shares the most traits. Meredith was a happy go lucky guy who drove Landry crazy with his off-beat view of the world and the game. I remember reading, maybe in Garrison’s book, about how Meredith was at the line of scrimmage in one game, heard the MLB bark out the exact play he was about to run, called an audible, heard the MLB bark out the new play. Meredith stopped calling signals and snapped something like this to the MLB: “Hell, you’re so (bleep) smart, you call the (bleeping) play.”

Meredith was cool. Once the Cowboys charter plane got in trouble in a storm. The pilot told everyone to assume crash positions, and grown men were crying, praying aloud… Meredith sat with his boots up on the seat in front of him, smoking a cigarette. “Joe Don!” someone shouted. “We’re about to crash!” Meredith said: “Well boys, it’s been a good one.”

Meredith was physically very, very tough. He took an awful beating playing for an expansion team. He played for a while with a nose broken so badly, the contraption on his face made him look like Darth Vader.

Meredith was wonderfully talented. I believe Landry once called him the most physically gifted player he ever coached. And he was tremendous at more than one sport. For many, many years – maybe to this day, for all I know – Meredith held the record for the most points scored in the Dr Pepper Basketball Classic, a prestigious high school tournament played annually in Dallas.

But Meredith came up short in the biggest games he ever played, including throwing an end zone interception against the Packers that started the Cowboys on the road to being known as “Next Year’s Champions,” a moniker only Staubach was able to erase.

Meredith retired just past 30, physically and emotionally spent. Much of the fan base had turned on him, though he was a local boy from Mt. Vernon and SMU. He was the Cowboys’ first great quarterback, but he retired without a championship. He did alright for himself in the broadcasting booth, though, and he sold a lot of Lipton tea.

Landry felt Meredith was insufficiently serious. Garrison thought Meredith was a better leader, even, than Staubach. But I’m not sure whether that view was universal among the players. Meredith’s leadership was “cool,” and Staubach’s was “hot.”

Meredith also was maybe a little indifferent about football. Clearly he loved the game, loved playing. But Meredith didn’t see football as being his “life.” He had other interests, and most of them revolved around fun and/or privacy. He’s a complex guy, it would seem. He hung out with Hollywood celebrities and enjoyed the NYC night life, but when he had enough money, he became a virtual recluse in Santa Fe, or so it seemed. I don’t think he was as much a recluse as he was a home body.

I sense that Romo shares many of Meredith’s traits – both in terms of physical ability and personality and in terms of emotional ambivalence. Do any of you see the same thing? For that matter, do any of you see it differently?

I didn't see the previous post you said you threw out. If I had, there would have been some noise.

I also think Romo is much like Meredith. But I also believe he will ultimately have more success than Don did, including more than one Super Bowl wins.

If the Cowboys had won the Ice Bowl, Dandy Don would be considered on a par with Staubach by everybody because he would have gone on to win the first Super Bowl. Then, perhaps, it would be the Landry Trophy they give every year.

Thanks for the post.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Romo couldn't couldn't sleep for two nights after the Philly debacle. And he has shown his pain after bad plays, maybe not in a way people like, but he has shown it. There is no doubt in my mind that he hates to lose. Fans have taken one comment after a devastating loss and read too much into it. The Cowboys have issues and questions to be answered, but Romo is a positive on this ball club. With a little help from his friends (blocking, route running, catching) the offense will be quite formidable.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

This is something I threw out some time back, to deafening silence, and maybe that’s what it deserved. But I have no pride.

I’ve seen Tony Romo compared to Danny White. Lately, he has even been “compared” to Troy Aikman, though more in regard to what hasn’t been achieved.

I wonder if Don Meredith isn’t the Cowboys QB with whom Romo shares the most traits. Meredith was a happy go lucky guy who drove Landry crazy with his off-beat view of the world and the game. I remember reading, maybe in Garrison’s book, about how Meredith was at the line of scrimmage in one game, heard the MLB bark out the exact play he was about to run, called an audible, heard the MLB bark out the new play. Meredith stopped calling signals and snapped something like this to the MLB: “Hell, you’re so (bleep) smart, you call the (bleeping) play.”

Meredith was cool. Once the Cowboys charter plane got in trouble in a storm. The pilot told everyone to assume crash positions, and grown men were crying, praying aloud… Meredith sat with his boots up on the seat in front of him, smoking a cigarette. “Joe Don!” someone shouted. “We’re about to crash!” Meredith said: “Well boys, it’s been a good one.”

Meredith was physically very, very tough. He took an awful beating playing for an expansion team. He played for a while with a nose broken so badly, the contraption on his face made him look like Darth Vader.

Meredith was wonderfully talented. I believe Landry once called him the most physically gifted player he ever coached. And he was tremendous at more than one sport. For many, many years – maybe to this day, for all I know – Meredith held the record for the most points scored in the Dr Pepper Basketball Classic, a prestigious high school tournament played annually in Dallas.

But Meredith came up short in the biggest games he ever played, including throwing an end zone interception against the Packers that started the Cowboys on the road to being known as “Next Year’s Champions,” a moniker only Staubach was able to erase.

Meredith retired just past 30, physically and emotionally spent. Much of the fan base had turned on him, though he was a local boy from Mt. Vernon and SMU. He was the Cowboys’ first great quarterback, but he retired without a championship. He did alright for himself in the broadcasting booth, though, and he sold a lot of Lipton tea.

Landry felt Meredith was insufficiently serious. Garrison thought Meredith was a better leader, even, than Staubach. But I’m not sure whether that view was universal among the players. Meredith’s leadership was “cool,” and Staubach’s was “hot.”

Meredith also was maybe a little indifferent about football. Clearly he loved the game, loved playing. But Meredith didn’t see football as being his “life.” He had other interests, and most of them revolved around fun and/or privacy. He’s a complex guy, it would seem. He hung out with Hollywood celebrities and enjoyed the NYC night life, but when he had enough money, he became a virtual recluse in Santa Fe, or so it seemed. I don’t think he was as much a recluse as he was a home body.

I sense that Romo shares many of Meredith’s traits – both in terms of physical ability and personality and in terms of emotional ambivalence. Do any of you see the same thing? For that matter, do any of you see it differently?

Romo reminds me of a lot of former Cowboys QBs but he is also very unique.

Dandy Don was known for his competitiveness, Roger was known for his athleticsm, Danny White was known for his intelligence, and Troy was known for his diligence. It's hard to say what Romo will be known for when his career is done.

At this point in his career it would be hard to say what Romo will be remembered for when he is done with football. The good news is he has the chance to do something special but first he needs to figure out who he wants to be.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Don't have much to say because I never saw Don play. Just wanted to thank you for the great read this morning.

Yeah same here.

But it says alot when fans talk of great Cowboy quarterbacks, they barely speak of Meredith and White, who seemingly won alot of games for this team.

 

[DallasCowpoke]

He was devastated by the loss and could barely talk. CBS went with it live (waist down)

So Don's wiener did the interview or what?

 

[L-O-Jete]

Romo reminds me of a lot of former Cowboys QBs but he is also very unique.

Dandy Don was known for his competitiveness, Roger was known for his athleticsm, Danny White was known for his intelligence, and Troy was known for his diligence. It's hard to say what Romo will be known for when his career is done.

At this point in his career it would be hard to say what Romo will be remembered for when he is done with football. The good news is he has the chance to do something special but first he needs to figure out who he wants to be.

Seriously White for his intelligence? First thing comes to mind with DW is "No! Danny NOOOooooo!"

 

[Bullet22]

I disagree, Roger Staubach was a leader and a warrior...Romo is not...

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Seriously White for his intelligence? First thing comes to mind with DW is "No! Danny NOOOooooo!"

Yes, he was very intelligent.

The "No, Danny! No!" was a result of too much pressure to win and trying to be like Roger. It was an out-of-character moment for White with a negative result, unfortunately.

 

[Bleu Star]

I remember reading, maybe in Garrison’s book, about how Meredith was at the line of scrimmage in one game, heard the MLB bark out the exact play he was about to run, called an audible, heard the MLB bark out the new play. Meredith stopped calling signals and snapped something like this to the MLB: “Hell, you’re so (bleep) smart, you call the (bleeping) play.”

This is something I threw out some time back, to deafening silence, and maybe that’s what it deserved. But I have no pride.

I’ve seen Tony Romo compared to Danny White. Lately, he has even been “compared” to Troy Aikman, though more in regard to what hasn’t been achieved.

I wonder if Don Meredith isn’t the Cowboys QB with whom Romo shares the most traits. Meredith was a happy go lucky guy who drove Landry crazy with his off-beat view of the world and the game. I remember reading, maybe in Garrison’s book, about how Meredith was at the line of scrimmage in one game, heard the MLB bark out the exact play he was about to run, called an audible, heard the MLB bark out the new play. Meredith stopped calling signals and snapped something like this to the MLB: “Hell, you’re so (bleep) smart, you call the (bleeping) play.”

Meredith was cool. Once the Cowboys charter plane got in trouble in a storm. The pilot told everyone to assume crash positions, and grown men were crying, praying aloud… Meredith sat with his boots up on the seat in front of him, smoking a cigarette. “Joe Don!” someone shouted. “We’re about to crash!” Meredith said: “Well boys, it’s been a good one.”

Meredith was physically very, very tough. He took an awful beating playing for an expansion team. He played for a while with a nose broken so badly, the contraption on his face made him look like Darth Vader.

Meredith was wonderfully talented. I believe Landry once called him the most physically gifted player he ever coached. And he was tremendous at more than one sport. For many, many years – maybe to this day, for all I know – Meredith held the record for the most points scored in the Dr Pepper Basketball Classic, a prestigious high school tournament played annually in Dallas.

But Meredith came up short in the biggest games he ever played, including throwing an end zone interception against the Packers that started the Cowboys on the road to being known as “Next Year’s Champions,” a moniker only Staubach was able to erase.

Meredith retired just past 30, physically and emotionally spent. Much of the fan base had turned on him, though he was a local boy from Mt. Vernon and SMU. He was the Cowboys’ first great quarterback, but he retired without a championship. He did alright for himself in the broadcasting booth, though, and he sold a lot of Lipton tea.

Landry felt Meredith was insufficiently serious. Garrison thought Meredith was a better leader, even, than Staubach. But I’m not sure whether that view was universal among the players. Meredith’s leadership was “cool,” and Staubach’s was “hot.”

Meredith also was maybe a little indifferent about football. Clearly he loved the game, loved playing. But Meredith didn’t see football as being his “life.” He had other interests, and most of them revolved around fun and/or privacy. He’s a complex guy, it would seem. He hung out with Hollywood celebrities and enjoyed the NYC night life, but when he had enough money, he became a virtual recluse in Santa Fe, or so it seemed. I don’t think he was as much a recluse as he was a home body.

I sense that Romo shares many of Meredith’s traits – both in terms of physical ability and personality and in terms of emotional ambivalence. Do any of you see the same thing? For that matter, do any of you see it differently?

Wow! I never really knew of Meredith. That was a little before my time. I came up with Roger Staubach whose image is forever etched in my mind. The similarities of Don and Tony are pretty scary. I really hope Romo gets at least one. He obviously has some things to work on but I am confident we will see a better QB on the field in 2009. I would hate to see Romo come and go with no Championship. That would mean the year in which we won our last Lombardi is that much further in the past.