Date for Tony Romo’s NFL TV debut for CBS has been set

Much like NFL players, media members and broadcasters need the preseason to polish their craft, build chemistry and work out the kinks.

Maybe no one more so than rookie broadcaster – and CBS’ No. 1 analyst – Tony Romo.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback will make his much-anticipated NFL debut Aug. 25 in a preseason game between Kansas City and Seattle, the New York Daily News reported Saturday.

It’s just another meaningless exhibition, but this one figures to draw plenty of interest – especially in North Texas – with Romo taking the booth alongside veteran Jim Nantz.

Romo will be replacing another former jock in Phil Simms, who increasingly became a lightning rod for criticism over the years even though he was adored by many listeners.

Romo could be an immediate lightning rod, primarily because he wore the star on his helmet and because he had his share of detractors during his playing days in part because of his lack of playoff success and clutch performances (fairly or not).

Oh, and just like the Yankees, many fans out there love to hate the Cowboys.

Viewers are sure to be hanging on his every word, at least at first, to pounce on any gaffes and share them immediately on social media.

The scrutiny likely will become even more intense Nov. 5 when Romo is scheduled to work his first Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Romo and Nantz will return to Arlington on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23) when the Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at 3:30 p.m.

On Aug. 3, Romo used the Hall of Fame Game between the Cowboys and Cardinals as a dress rehearsal, joining Nantz in a high school press box behind the end zone to work on his broadcasting skills.