Names carry a lot of weight in the NFL. When you hear the name "Romo," your brain probably goes straight to the star-studded history of the Dallas Cowboys or the enthusiastic, prophetic voice of Tony Romo in the CBS broadcast booth. So, when a kicker named John Parker Romo starts nailing field goals for teams like the Vikings and the Falcons, the question starts buzzing almost immediately.
Is he related? Is this a "like father, like son" situation, or maybe a distant cousin thing?
Honestly, people love a good legacy story. We want the "Romo" brand to be a football dynasty, similar to the Mannings or the Kelces. But the truth is a bit more grounded than that. If you've been scouring the internet trying to find out if the young kicker is part of Tony’s family tree, you're not alone, but you might be surprised by the actual connection—or lack thereof.
The Truth About the Family Tree
Let’s get the big question out of the way. Parker Romo is not related to Tony Romo. Despite the identical last name and the shared professional stage, there is no blood relation between the two. Tony Romo, the legendary Cowboys quarterback, was born in San Diego and grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin. His parents are Joan and Ramiro Romo. On the flip side, John Parker Romo—who mostly goes by Parker—is a Georgia native through and through.
Parker grew up in Peachtree City, Georgia, attending McIntosh High School. His parents are Brenda and Jimmy Romo, and he has two older siblings, Austin and Sara. When you look at the roots, the two Romos are from entirely different parts of the country with zero overlap in their family histories.
It’s just one of those funny sports coincidences. Think of it like the "Jones" or "Smith" families of the NFL, though "Romo" certainly feels more unique. The confusion is so common that even the broadcast teams have had to clarify it during games to stop the rumor mill from spinning out of control.
Why Everyone Thinks They’re Related
It isn't just the name. It’s the timing and the "vibe." Parker Romo broke into the national consciousness right as Tony was cementing himself as the most recognizable voice in football broadcasting.
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When Parker made his NFL debut with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Tony Romo actually joked about it on air. During a broadcast, Tony called Parker "my favorite player," purely because of the name sharing. That kind of public acknowledgement—even if it’s a joke—is basically fuel for the "are they related?" fire.
If you were half-listening to a game and heard Tony Romo talking about "Romo" the kicker, it’s incredibly easy to assume there’s a family link. But nope. It’s just Tony having a bit of fun with the fact that another Romo finally made it to the big leagues.
The Long Road of Parker Romo
While Tony Romo was an undrafted free agent who became a franchise legend, Parker Romo’s journey has been even more of a "grind." The guy has basically lived out of a suitcase for the last few years.
Parker didn't have a straight shot to the NFL. He played college ball at three different schools:
- Central Arkansas
- Tulsa
- Virginia Tech
He went undrafted in 2022 and then started a whirlwind tour of the league. Seriously, look at his "visited" list: New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and even a stint in the XFL (now UFL) with the San Antonio Brahmas. In the spring of 2023, he was actually one of the best kickers in the XFL, which is what finally got NFL scouts to take him seriously again.
He finally got his "real" shot with the Vikings in late 2024 when their starter, Will Reichard, went down with an injury. Parker stepped in and was almost perfect, going 11-for-12 on field goals. That performance is what led him to the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, playing for his hometown team.
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Life as a "Journeyman" Kicker
Kickers in the NFL have it rough. One week you’re the hero hitting a 54-yarder; the next week, you’re looking for a new job because you missed one extra point.
Parker’s 2025 season with the Falcons was a perfect example of this rollercoaster. He was signed off the street (well, the practice squad) and immediately went 5-for-5 in his debut against the Vikings. He was the only reason the Falcons won that game. But just a few weeks later, after a missed PAT in a one-point loss to the Patriots, he was waived.
That’s the life of a specialist. You aren't protected by a $100 million contract like a star quarterback. You’re only as good as your last kick.
Comparing the Two Romos
Even though they aren't related, there are some weirdly similar traits between Tony and Parker.
Tony was famously an undrafted guy out of Eastern Illinois. Nobody expected him to do anything. He fought his way up from the bottom of the depth chart to become one of the most efficient passers in history.
Parker has that same "chip on the shoulder" energy. He wasn't a blue-chip recruit. He had to prove himself in the XFL just to get a practice squad invite. Both guys share this relentless persistence. They also both have a background in other sports; Tony was a standout basketball and golf player, while Parker was an All-State soccer star in Georgia. That "multisport athlete" foundation clearly helped both of them develop the coordination needed for high-pressure NFL moments.
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The "Tony Romo" Effect on Parker’s Brand
Honestly, having the last name Romo has probably helped Parker a little bit. In a league where "name ID" matters for getting tryouts, being "the other Romo" makes you memorable.
When a special teams coordinator sees "Romo" on a list of available kickers, they probably do a double-take. It’s a strong brand name. But it also comes with high expectations. People expect a Romo to be "clutch." While Tony had his fair share of playoff heartbreak (the Seattle hold, anyone?), he was statistically one of the best fourth-quarter quarterbacks of his era. Parker has shown flashes of that same "clutch" gene, especially during his 2024 run in Minnesota.
What's Next for Parker Romo?
As of early 2026, Parker is still in that "on the bubble" phase of his career. He’s proven he has the leg—he’s hit from 55 yards and has a career field goal percentage in the mid-80s. That’s more than enough to keep him on speed dial for every team in the league.
The biggest hurdle for him isn't his talent; it’s the lack of stability. Every time he misses a kick, the "he’s not Tony" or "he’s just a backup" narrative starts up. But in the NFL, if you can kick a ball through the uprights consistently, you will eventually find a permanent home.
Whether he ends up back in Atlanta, stays on a practice squad, or heads back to the UFL to dominate again, Parker Romo is carving out a legacy that belongs entirely to him. He doesn't need a famous cousin or a legendary father to justify his place on the field.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Parker's career or just curious about the "Romo" name in the 2026 season, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Don't bet on the "Legacy" narrative: When you hear announcers bring up Tony Romo during a Parker Romo kick, remember it’s just for color commentary. They are not kin.
- Watch the "Kicker Carousel": Parker is a prime candidate for "emergency" signings. If your team's kicker goes on IR on a Thursday, expect to see Parker Romo’s name in the headlines by Friday morning.
- The UFL Connection: If he isn't on an NFL roster, check the UFL standings. Parker is a star in that league, and it remains his best platform for proving he belongs in the NFL.
- Peachtree Roots: If you want to support him "locally," know that he’s a Georgia boy. His success is a huge point of pride for the Peachtree City community.
The Romo name is safe in the NFL, even if the family tree isn't what we thought it was. Parker is doing the hard work of making that name stand for more than just touchdowns and "A-ghast!" gasps in the broadcast booth. He’s making it a name for game-winning field goals too.