Romo says it’s ’such an honor’ to have jersey No. 17 retired by Eastern Illinois

Romo’s jersey No. 17 retired by Eastern Illinois

CHARLESTON, Ill. — Tony Romo’s No. 17 was officially retired by Eastern Illinois on Saturday, an experience he called “humbling.”

“You don’t expect it,” the Dallas Cowboys quarterback said. “It’s almost embarrassing that everybody wants to look at you and tell you that you did something good.”

As Eastern’s quarterback from 2000-02, Romo was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year three times. In 2002, he won the Walter Payton Award as the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS.

“The time I had here was an unbelievable time in my life, helped shape me in a lot of ways to become the person that I am today,” Romo said.

Romo is the first Eastern Illinois player to have his number retired.

“It was such an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame here, and with the jersey ceremony, it holds a special place in your heart,” Romo said.