On McAfee’s MNF altcast, tony romo makes surprise appearance after months out of view

A rare appearance on ESPN2

Romo appeared Monday night on McAfee’s Field Pass broadcast, which ran alongside the Vikings-Bills game. McAfee introduced him as a “quarterback expert” and made a light joke about ESPN sideline analyst Dan Orlovsky.

Romo discussed the game and praised Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the team’s defense. He also used a quarterback cadence to joke that Minnesota should get the ball more often to star receiver Justin Jefferson.

Romo’s time away from broadcasting

Romo had been largely absent from public view during the start of the NFL season. He was placed on leave and later let go from CBS’s top NFL booth, where he had worked alongside Jim Nantz, following an OWI charge and the release of video showing his sobriety test.

Before Monday’s broadcast, his public appearances had been limited to a few statements and a brief visit to a PGA Q-School event. The altcast gave him a chance to discuss football without addressing the events of recent months.

A possible next step

As Romo wrapped up, McAfee thanked him and said, “We missed the hell out of you this season.” Romo then added one more piece of analysis before leaving the broadcast. The appearance comes as ESPN’s relationship with Troy Aikman appears to be in a prolonged breakup. Greg Olsen is widely viewed as a leading candidate to replace Aikman, while Monday’s broadcast suggested McAfee may be supportive of Romo; further appearances could come on future altcasts or McAfee’s ESPN show.