Opinions were divided on Tony Romo’s commentary during Super Bowl LVIII for CBS, particularly his call of the game-winning touchdown by the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. While many appreciated Romo’s breakdown of the play, some felt it was ill-timed and overshadowed the immediate post-touchdown celebration.
After Patrick Mahomes connected with Mecole Hardman for the game-winning score, Romo launched into an analysis that included references to Andy Reid’s coaching strategy, the Chiefs’ acquisition of Hardman, and Mahomes’ clutch performance. However, some viewers felt that Romo’s commentary detracted from the raw emotion of the moment, as shots of jubilant Chiefs players contrasted with the dejection of the San Francisco 49ers.
Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick nailed the Super Bowl’s final play where Tony Romo failed https://t.co/E9YTbim6cW pic.twitter.com/OvAG6Xsdsb
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 13, 2024
Meanwhile, on the ESPN International broadcast in Australia and New Zealand, Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick took a different approach. Their commentary was more subdued, allowing the gravity of the moment to speak for itself. Riddick and Orlovsky’s brief remarks about Mahomes were followed by a moment of silence, allowing the audience to absorb the significance of the play without distraction.
While Pat McAfee shared the ESPN International call without directly referencing Romo, it prompted comparisons between the two broadcasts. In retrospect, many felt that the simplicity of the ESPN call captured the magnitude of the moment more effectively than Romo’s analysis-heavy approach.
In defense of Romo, it’s acknowledged that every broadcaster has their own style and reacts in the moment. However, when it comes to such iconic moments in sports history, the consensus was that less commentary would have been more impactful. Orlovsky’s understated delivery resonated with viewers, showcasing his potential as a top game analyst for a major network.
Ultimately, while Romo’s commentary may have missed the mark for some, it’s a reminder of the subjective nature of sports broadcasting and the challenge of capturing the essence of historic moments in real-time.
