Recently, there was a debate on this site concerning whether Tony Romo was overpaid, underpaid, or paid a proper amount to play for the Dallas Cowboys for the next six years [The Wash Up 4th November-11th November 2007]. Six years, $67.5 million (not all guaranteed)…it looks good for both sides of the deal. But that $67.5 million may be pennies compared to what Romo may receive in endorsements in the next six years.
Romo has the top selling NFL jersey this year. He also has been in a SportsCenter commercial and spots for Diet Pepsi Max and AT&T. Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood have found Romo charming as well.
Could Romo be America’s new All-American poster boy? Tom Brady wants none of that statement. But Romo may be a close second, as the starting quarterback for “America’s team”. As MSNBC reports, according to the Davie Brown Index, which determines a celebrity’s ability to influence brand affinity and consumer purchases…[Romo] scores on the same level [as] Shaquille O’Neal, Roger Clemens, Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld [Romo’s star is rising in advertising world]. He has acquired this status in a fraction of the time that it took the top tier personalities listed above.
Talk about a sports agent’s dream. Romo was undrafted out of Eastern Illinois and was looked at as a perennial backup in the NFL. The guy keeps a cool demeanor and does not make the headlines for making it rain. CAA should keep on smiling.
-Darren Heitner
