Despite being the nation's top NCAA Division I-AA player, he was not drafted by an NFL team. He was signed as a undrafted free agent by the Cowboys in 2003. The following year when the Cowboys signed aging quarterback
Vinny Testaverde and traded for Drew Henson who had never taken an NFL snap, Romo was on the verge of being cut. However, he was kept as the third string quarterback when
Quincy Carter was unexpectedly released following allegations of substance abuse.