Tony Romo earned the respect of one very notable contemporary when he played through a painful rib injury in a comeback win over the 49ers on Sunday.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a guest on "The Rich Eisen Podcast" this week, where he spoke about Romo's abilities to remain effective under difficult circumstances.
49ers: Smith had concussion
Tony Romo wasn't the only quarterback who played through an injury last Sunday: San Francisco's Alex Smith suffered a concussion in the game. **More...**
"I was surprised he could play so effectively under that much pain," Rodgers said of the Cowboys QB. "I actually didn't have the same injury, but I got cracked in the ribs a couple of years ago against Detroit and the guys were kind of making fun of me in the huddle because I was having a hard time spitting out the plays.
"But a punctured lung and cracked rib? That's a lot of pain. I sent him a text after the game because I saw the highlights and saw they came back. That's an impressive performance."
Rodgers was aware of the criticism Romo received following a rough Week 1 loss to the New York Jets. He reasoned the gutsy Week 2 showing should help perception.
"I think it was pretty good for him to bounce back like that and come back in the game and play so well," Rodgers said.
Rodgers also discussed his thoughts on the Chicago Bears, Green Bay's division rival and opponent in Week 3. The last time those teams met, the Packers won at Soldier Field to earn a trip to Super Bowl XLV. Rodgers said Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is his favorite player to line up against.
"He's the quarterback of their defense," Rodgers said, "and I enjoy the matchup and the chess match that goes between him trying to execute their defense and me trying to execute our offense."
