Tony Romo had a rather blunt assessment Tuesday of the media he and the Dallas Cowboys constantly face.
"Not trying to be rude, but you guys just don't matter," Romo told reporters during a break in the team's mini-camp.
"Saying that, I mean, I know you guys all have a job to do and it helps grow the game," Romo continued, in comments published by The Dallas Morning News. "There's a lot of talk about the game and it's a wonderful aspect of it, but good, bad, none of it matters. It's going to be played out on the field."
At the surface, Romo is correct. None of what's written or spoken by the media should affect what happens on the field.
On the other hand, the media has helped form perceptions about Romo, and not always good ones. Without the media, Romo wouldn't be remembered for taking a vacation to Mexico the week before a playoff game. Or for saying that losing to the Eagles, 44-6, and missing a playoff berth aren't the worst things that can happen to him.
Then again, much of that would be forgiven if Romo had managed to win more than one playoff game in his career.
"No matter what, we're going to have to open up the football season against the New York Giants and whether you said great things or whether you guys may have said the Cowboys are whatever, the best ever, the worst ever…it doesn't matter," Romo said. "You've still got to show up and you've got to play.
"All the other stuff is for people to talk about and enjoy. But to me, when you sit there and look at it, it just doesn't matter. It's just stuff."
And regardless of what Romo says, there will still be an army of reporters and commentators ready to communicate whatever "stuff" Romo and Cowboys produce on the field this season.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
