The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame class has been announced, one nomination this year was Dallas Cowboys’ legend, Tony Romo. We now know Romo will not be a “First Ballot Hall of Famer” since he did not receive the nod this year. That does not close the door for him to get into the Hall next year or in the future. Although Romo never had the playoff success he hoped for, an argument can be made that he belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame, and he has the stats to back it up.

Cowboys’ Passing Records

Romo retired holding every significant Cowboys passing record. He has the most yards at 34,183, the most touchdowns at 248, the highest Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt at 7.03 and also broke the club’s records for fourth-quarter comebacks (24) and game-winning drives (29).

NFL All Time Stats

Tony Romo is 4th all-time career passer rating (97.1). He is 29th all time in passing yards (34,183). He ranks 15th all time in 4th quarter comebacks (25). He ranks 6th in career completion percentage (65.3%). He is 5th all time in yards per attempt (7.81). Romo is 92-64 as a starter. He was a 4-time Pro Bowl selection and led the Cowboys to 4 playoff appearances, though he never advanced beyond the Divisional Round.

The Case for Romo

When comparing Romo’s career statistics to those of other Hall of Fame quarterbacks, it becomes evident that he has the stats to be there. For example, his career passer rating is higher than that of Hall of Famers Dan Marino, John Elway, and Warren Moon. Additionally, Romo’s 97.1 passer rating is higher than that of several other legendary Hall of Fame quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Kurt Warner.

The Case Against Romo

One big factor working against Romo is the lack of a Super Bowl ring. While championships are not necessarily the criteria for Hall of Fame induction, they are certainly a factor. Romo’s postseason record is 2-4. He never advanced beyond the divisional round. His playoff passer rating (83.6) is significantly lower than his regular-season rating.

Several examples of players without rings with lesser stats can be cited, while others with rings have been left out. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to induct Romo into the Hall of Fame will come down to how the voters weigh his individual accomplishments against the team achievements of other quarterbacks. The Hall of Fame is recognition for an individual athlete’s accomplishments, so I believe Tony Romo will be known as a “Hall of Fame Quarterback” very soon.

*Photos courtesy of SI, Getty, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Reggie Sanderson – We Like Sportz Dallas Cowboys writer.

Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast.

Follow him on X @Irish_Cowboy88