Tony Romo Talks Retirement from Cowboys, Texans, CBS Future and More

Tony Romo spoke with reporters Tuesday for the first time since confirming his career change.

The Dallas Cowboys announced Tuesday they released Romo, who planned to formally retire and join CBS Sports as an analyst. Romo announced that afternoon he will enter the broadcast booth:

Shortly after Romo's announcement, he and CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus held a teleconference call with the media.

McManus noted how being the company's lead NFL analyst puts Romo in select company, per The MMQB's Albert Breer:

McManus also said CBS Sports and Romo began discussing a potential partnership after the end of the 2016 season and finally reached an agreement Monday night, per Joe Trahan of WFAA-TV in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Romo has no professional NFL media experience, so his hiring is a gamble for CBS Sports. McManus called the move a "manageable risk," according to the Dallas Morning News' Damon R. Marx.

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain reported in early March the Houston Texans were interested in signing Romo as a free agent, and the move made sense for both parties. The Texans need a starting quarterback, and Romo wouldn't have to travel too far for his next home.

NFL.com's Marc Sessler and Mike Garafolo shared Romo's thoughts on the Texans:

Romo had an opportunity to share his NFL analysis when a reporter asked him how Houston should now address the quarterback position.

"I would love to pretend that I'm a GM for the [Texans]," he said, per the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson. "Since I'm not, I'll let you ask [Texans general manager Rick Smith] that question."

David Helman of the Cowboys' official site shared an entertaining observation from the 36-year-old now-former quarterback:

Romo said a part of him will likely miss playing football but that he will be committed to broadcasting, per Helman:

Romo added that "[the] ability to work alongside Jim Nantz" and "just knowing what I want to do the next 15, 20, 30 years" played into his final decision, per Newsday's Bob Glauber.

Romo had gracious words for Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones.

"Jerry was amazing," he said, according to Wilson. "I know sometimes it didn't look like that from the outside."

According to the Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala, Romo declined to categorically close the door on an NFL comeback, telling reporters he's "about 99 percent" certain to stay retired, per the Dallas Morning News' Jon Machota.

Romo also said that despite his retirement, he expects to hear from NFL teams inquiring about his availability, per ESPN.com's Todd Archer.

By releasing Romo, the Cowboys officially renounce his NFL rights, which would allow him to sign with any other team in the event he wanted to return. The move could potentially backfire for Dallas should the 13-year veteran get to play again.

Based on his comments, as well as gaining the prestige that comes with being CBS Sports' lead analyst, fans have likely seen the last of Romo in an NFL uniform.