Tony Romo gets exemption to play AT&T Byron Nelson

Before he became renowned for his prowess in the broadcasters’ booth, Tony Romo’s side hustle was being a great golfer.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback will return to the fairways in May when he competes in the AT&T Byron Nelson, his second time playing a PGA Tour event.

Formerly called the Byron Nelson Championship, the tournament is played each year in Dallas, where Romo still lives in the offseason. This year’s event runs May 9-12.

Romo was given a sponsor exemption in 2018 to play the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship in the Dominican Republic, where he missed the cut.

But the Byron Nelson is a more high-profile event. The defending champion is Aaron Wise and Billy Horschel, Sergio Garcia and Jason Day have won it in recent years.

“Golf is one of my greatest passions outside my family and football, and I am honored to have the opportunity to compete amongst the pros again in this year’s AT&T Byron Nelson,” Romo said via a release from the Byron Nelson, according to ESPN.

Romo tried and failed to qualify for the Byron Nelson — and the U.S. Open — while still an NFL player.