Tony Romo once again found himself trending for all the wrong reasons after an awkward on-air moment during CBS Sports’ Thanksgiving broadcast. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who now works alongside Jim Nantz as a lead NFL analyst for CBS, has continued to draw criticism from viewers — and last season’s Thanksgiving game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears only added fuel to the fire.
Romo’s Off-Key Lion King Moment Goes Viral
During the second quarter of the Lions’ 23–20 win at Ford Field, the broadcast featured a “Cub Cam” segment. Parents lifted their children into the air in a fun nod to The Lion King. As Jim Nantz introduced the clip, Romo attempted to sing a playful version of the film’s iconic theme — but his off-key delivery immediately backfired.
Fans quickly jumped on social media to express their secondhand embarrassment and frustration. Many said the moment was “cringe,” while others poked fun at Romo for botching lyrics that are partly in Zulu.
One viewer posted:
“Jim Nantz getting emotional over a beautiful Lion King moment, then Tony Romo screaming the lyrics… easily one of the worst NFL broadcast moments ever.”
Another joked, “Does anyone know why he sounds worse than a 50-year smoker?” A third fan added that Romo “ruined The Lion King on Thanksgiving.”
Recent Noises During Chiefs–Bills Game Also Annoyed Viewers
This wasn’t the only moment fans called out Romo for. Earlier in November, during CBS’s broadcast of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills, Romo made strange noises while analyzing a pass play. The reaction online was immediate and harsh.
One fan wrote on X (Twitter):
“Tony Romo is once again making some highly suspect sounds.”
Another added:
“I mute the games at this point. His decline has been steady since his first year.”
Romo Responds to Growing Criticism
Despite the negative attention, Romo said he regularly hears from fans in public and remains focused on improving the viewing experience. Speaking with The Daily Mail in September 2025, he explained that his primary goal is to help fans enjoy the game.
“My job is to make people at home enjoy it and get the most out of the experience,” Romo said.
“I work really hard at it because I know how important these games are for the players, coaches, and fans.”
Romo’s Future at CBS Remains a Hot Topic
As fan frustration continues to grow, so does the debate surrounding Romo’s long-term role at CBS. While he remains a prominent figure in NFL broadcasting, each new viral moment adds more pressure — and more discussion — about whether he can regain the form that once made him one of the most popular analysts on TV.
