If you’ve spent any time watching NFL broadcasts lately, you know Tony Romo. He’s the guy who seemingly predicts plays before they even happen. But while his voice is a staple in millions of living rooms every Sunday, his personal life in Dallas is surprisingly grounded for a guy who used to date some of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
So, Tony Romo is married to who, exactly?
The answer is Candice Crawford.
They’ve been married since 2011, which in "celebrity years" is basically an eternity. If the name Crawford sounds familiar, it should. She isn’t just "Tony Romo's wife." She’s a former Miss Missouri, a seasoned sports journalist, and the sister of Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford.
How Tony Romo and Candice Crawford Actually Met
You might expect a superstar quarterback to meet his wife at a red-carpet gala or a high-end club. Nope. Their meet-cute was actually pretty "workplace professional"—sorta.
Candice was a student at the University of Missouri, studying broadcast journalism. During the summer, she snagged an internship with the Dallas Cowboys. She was working on a segment called The Blitz, which meant she was constantly around the facility.
At the time, she was technically underage (around 20), and Tony was already the face of the franchise. They didn't start dating right then, but the seeds were sown. Fast forward a couple of years to 2009. Tony had just gone through a very public breakup with Jessica Simpson. Candice was back in Dallas working as a sports reporter for CW33.
The Cowboys broadcasting department—who clearly knew a good match when they saw one—basically played matchmaker. They told Tony, "Hey, we hired your intern friend again."
He took her to dinner, and honestly, they’ve been together ever since.
The Famous "Hide Your Parents" First Date
There’s a hilarious story that Candice’s brother, Chace Crawford, loves to tell. When Tony first came over to the Crawford house to pick Candice up for a date, her parents—who were massive, die-hard Cowboys fans—went into a full-blown panic.
Candice was so worried they would embarrass her or "fanboy" too hard over the quarterback that she literally made them hide in the back of the house. Imagine being a pro athlete and walking into a silent home because your future in-laws are cowering in a bathroom so they don't freak you out. It worked, though. They hit it off.
The Proposal and That 2011 Wedding
Tony popped the question in 2010. It was Candice’s 24th birthday, and they were out to dinner with her family. He didn’t go for a giant Jumbotron moment; he kept it relatively intimate, which seems to be their vibe.
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They got married on May 28, 2011.
If you remember 2011, that was the year of the NFL lockout. While the rest of the league was stressing about labor disputes, Tony was busy planning a massive ceremony at Arlington Hall in Dallas. It was a huge event. We’re talking 600 guests, including Cowboys icons like Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, and of course, Jerry Jones.
Beyond the "WAG" Label: Who is Candice Crawford?
It’s easy to get lost in the shadow of a $180 million quarterback-turned-broadcaster, but Candice has a pretty serious resume of her own.
- Pageant Success: She won Miss Missouri in 2008 and competed in Miss USA, where she finished in the top 10.
- Journalism Career: Before she stepped back from the camera to focus on family, she was a legit reporter. She covered high school sports and hosted lifestyle segments in the DFW area.
- Entrepreneurship: She co-founded a company called Hawk + Sloane. It’s a line of essential oil sprays designed for parents (named after her first son, Hawkins, and her best friend's son).
Life as a "Boy Mom" in Dallas
The Romos have three sons: Hawkins (born 2012), Rivers (born 2014), and Jones McCoy (born 2017).
If you follow them at all, you know their house is basically a non-stop sports camp. Candice often jokes about being the only woman in a house full of testosterone. She’s often seen on the sidelines of their youth games, or practicing gymnastics with them in the backyard.
Honestly, the stability of their marriage was a bit of a plot twist for people who followed Tony’s early career. Before Candice, his dating life was tabloid fodder. There was the high-profile relationship with Carrie Underwood and the even more intense era with Jessica Simpson.
Remember the "Cabo" incident? Fans blamed a vacation Tony took with Jessica Simpson for a playoff loss. It was brutal.
But with Candice, the drama mostly vanished. She understood the world of sports because she had covered it. She knew the demands of the schedule.
Why Their Relationship Works (According to Them)
In interviews, Tony has been pretty vocal about how Candice changed his perspective. He’s called her his "greatest teammate."
It’s a dynamic that seems to balance his high-energy, "always-on" personality. While he’s dissecting coverages for CBS, she’s managing a business and three active kids. They still live in Dallas, despite his work taking him all over the country during the season.
What You Should Know About the Romo Family Today
If you’re looking for a takeaway from their decade-plus of marriage, it’s probably the value of privacy and shared interests. They don't do a reality show. They don't live in the tabloids anymore.
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Practical Insights for Fans:
- Social Media: If you want to see the "real" side of their life, Candice is much more active on Instagram than Tony. She shares a lot of the chaotic "boy mom" moments that don't make it to the NFL broadcasts.
- Business: You can check out her brand, Hawk + Sloane, if you're interested in the wellness/parenting space.
- Legacy: Their middle son, Rivers, is already showing some serious athletic chops, so don't be surprised if you see another Romo on a roster in about 10 or 15 years.
If you're curious about Tony’s career transition or how he landed that massive CBS contract, you should look into his early days as an undrafted free agent—it's a massive part of why he stays so grounded today.