Tony Romo wasn't in pads during this week's mandatory minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys, but he was plenty busy with a second job: The veteran quarterback has taken on a coaching role of sorts.
As part of the monster six-year, $108 million contract extension Romo signed in March, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones asked his signal-caller to spend "Peyton Manning-type time" at the team facility, digging into the offense and helping to formulate game-planning.
So far, so good.
"We talked to him very specifically in the beginning of the offseason, that we wanted more of that from him," coach Jason Garrett told reporters Thursday. "I think he's embraced the role, I think any quarterback would. And he has a real natural leadership style, where guys listen to him. They certainly respond to his play, but also his demeanor. And that's a real positive thing for our football team."
The Cowboys also paid Romo to suit up, something he hasn't done this offseason because of an operation in April to remove a cyst from his back. He was seen throwing passes at this week's minicamp and he's expected to be 100 percent by training camp.
As for Romo's heightened leadership role, the end game is this: Jones said last month that "Tony is more involved in the finished product." In Dallas, the finished product has been suspect for far too long, so giving the quarterback a chance to cook the stew can't hurt.
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