‘You’re not Roger Staubach.’ ‘You’re no Johnny Carson.’ Watch Romo, Colbert trade insults
Tony Romo was a guest on the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” for the first time Thursday and the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback shared some good-natured insults with the host.
It didn’t take long for the barbs to start slinging.
Colbert took mock offense when Romo seemed surprised the host knew a little about football.
“I know you’re not Roger Staubach, buddy,” Colbert shot back.
Romo didn’t miss a beat.
“No question. You’re not Johnny Carson, so this is fantastic,” Romo said with a big grin.
Colbert jumped out of his seat with genuine appreciation for Romo’s dig.
“I love it!” Colbert said.
Colbert asked Romo about the fake crowd noise football stadiums and networks are using during the coronavirus pandemic, including CBS, where Romo is the top NFL analyst. Romo worked in a clever shot at Colbert by comparing the lack of a real crowd to Colbert doing his show without an audience
“You’re used to having somebody laugh when you make a joke,” Romo said. “Now, that’s rare for you, I know, but when somebody actually does laugh it does give you feedback.”
For the record, Romo doesn’t sound like a fan of the pumped in crowd noise. “It’s ridiculous, but I try [to like it],” he said.
Romo sarcastically thanked Colbert for asking him about whether sports entertainment could survive being separated from the cultural issues of the day, as some fans would prefer.
“I was hoping we could get into politics and a lot of tough questions,” Romo said, before assuring Colbert that he was joking.
“I’m not asking you about politics, I’m asking you about football. Can it preserve that escape quality that its always had for us,” Colbert said.
Romo has faith that football will remain a respite for fans.
“I think it’ll always be that way,” Romo said. “I do think whenever you’re in an election year stuff is always going to be communicated and talked about a little bit differently.”
Then Romo seamlessly worked in another callback to Carson as if he was hitting Dez Bryant with a smooth spiral.
“For me, when I grew up, I never watched the news one time. I watched only Johnny Carson and when he was gone, everyone was terrible,” he said.
Colbert shot right back.
“I totally agree,” he said. “That’s why I don’t watch football anymore. No Staubach.”
Did you enjoy the experience of being on the show, Colbert asked.
“Not really, but I really like you,” Romo said.
“It’s great we can be honest with each other,” Colbert retorted. “It was great to have you on … once.”
This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
