There was little doubt that former Dallas Cowboys quarterback would be a congenial and charming presence in the broadcasting booth for CBS, but few would have predicted the phenomenon and controversy that he’s brought with his enthusiastic style and amazing ability to predict plays as they’re developing before the snap.
Just a month into his new gig as an NFL announcer, Romo has impressed fans with his ability to read defenses and offenses, calling out the action before it happens based on formations, situational analyses, and player movement with disarming frequency.
When asked by his booth partner Jim Nantz about his talents during their first regular season game together, Romo simply explained, “I’ve seen football in the NFL for 14 years.”
However, his willingness to jump in with analysis and prognostications hasn’t endeared everyone to his game-calling style, especially those in the old guard of broadcasting who believe that the color commentator (Romo’s role in the booth) shouldn’t “step” on the work of his play-by-play partner Nantz. Veteran broadcaster Brent Musburger who thinks Romo’s schtick detracts from the overall experience for viewers at home.
Musburger, unimpressed by Romo’s ability to “predict the future,” chastised the young commentator, stating:
“Tony, get off it. First of all, you’re intruding on your play-by-play man Jim Nantz, who’s just trying to give us the scene … and the more years you spend away from the league, you’re going to know less and less about the personnel that’s out on the field. So I’m blowing a ‘stop the hype’ right now.”
Another veteran TV personality, studio host Shannon Sharpe, thinks that while Romo’s skills may be impressive, pulling back the curtain on plays before they happen will ultimately spoil the action for fans.
Speaking to USA Today’s FTW, Max Negin, an associate professor of broadcasting at Eton University, thinks that, while impressive, Romo’s unorthodox approach ruins the traditional conversation between a color commentator and play-by-play man. “My first reaction is he’s kind of doing it wrong,” he said. “He’s talking over his play-by-play guy; he’s shouting out things during the broadcast. Someone who looks at traditional sports broadcasting would look at that and shake his head like, ‘What is he doing?’”
Just four games into the NFL’s regular season (and four “trial” preseason games that were called by the duo but not broadcast), Romo’s personal style and rapport with booth partner Jim Nantz is far from set in stone. Despite his Nostradamus-like approach to calling out plays, it’s possible that Romo’s unbridled excitement could get him in trouble with a controversial or questionable utterance at any moment. Further, time will tell if the novelty of this departure in style will prove durable for fans who have for so long relied on a more traditional back and forth that relies on the broadcasting duo taking turns.
To that end, it seems as though Nantz is adapting his style of playcalling to accommodate Tony’s insights prior to the play, prompting the young broadcaster to speak up as the snap nears:
It may not be familiar, but most fans appear to be enjoying a fresh approach to the well-worn broadcasting formula. With over a dozen games per week, fans will always have the option to fall back into old habits with other announcers. But if they’ve been looking for something new from an NFL broadcast, it appears they’ve found it with Tony Romo.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.