Romo likes Favre, not the comparisons

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Because he grew up in Wisconsin, it's no surprise that Tony Romo is a Brett Favre fan.<br/><br/>Romo, now the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback, also has Favre-like confidence

Thursday, November 2nd 2006, 11:01 pm

By: News On 6

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Because he grew up in Wisconsin, it's no surprise that Tony Romo is a Brett Favre fan.

Romo, now the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback, also has Favre-like confidence that he can make any throw along with his ability to scramble. But Romo isn't so sure about being compared to the Green Bay quarterback.

"The comparisons are ridiculous. He's an unbelievable player and he's accomplished so much," Romo said. "The fact that people even say his name and mine together is kind of ridiculous. He's on a completely other level."

Favre is in his 16th NFL season, has made 228 consecutive starts, won a Super Bowl and is a three-time MVP. Romo, a fourth-year pro, will make his second career start Sunday at
Washington.

Part of the reason Romo believes he's finally gotten his chance to start is by trying to be a little less like Favre on the field.

"I have always had a little bit of raw ability," Romo said. "I think I have harnessed it and become a better quarterback."

Romo was 12 years old when Favre made his first start for the Packers in 1992.

"It was exciting and he just brought a flair for the game that I'll never forget," Romo said. "I can remember really starting to love the Packers."

But Romo had never met his childhood idol until this summer when playing in Favre's charity golf tournament in Mississippi.

"He said `Hi,' " Romo said. "No, I didn't get his autograph."

In his first start since replacing Drew Bledsoe as the Cowboys starter, Romo was 24-of-36 passing for 270 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 35-14 victory at Carolina last weekend. The Cowboys (4-3) have two more road games before Romo gets a chance to start at home.

"A friend of mine called me today and told me to tell Romo, which I did -- He said the start is important, but the follow-up is more important," coach Bill Parcells said Thursday. "And that's true."

Parcells said he has relayed other messages to Romo, including "don't be afraid to run" and not to be looking over his shoulder.

As for the anxiety of making the quarterback switch, Parcells said he can't be worried about it any more.

"The time to worry is when you place the bet. The bet is down now. The wheel is spinning," Parcells said. "I didn't say I wish I didn't bet that. I can't do that."