ROMO MIGHT HAVE BEEN A BRONCO, BUT SAID, “NO, NO”: Tony Romo had a chance to land in the saddle of the Broncos, but chose the Cowboys for less money:

The COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE ropes in news that in 2003, Denver head honcho Mike Shanahan tried to get the undrafted Romo mile high after the QB’s final season at Eastern Illinois. Shanahan is also an alum of the same college.

However, it was another ex-EIU Panther that also got Romo’s attention - Sean Payton, who was the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach in Dallas. Although Shanny offered Tony a $20,000 signing bonus, Romo decided to head to the Lone Star State, feeling he had a better shot at getting playing time.

Payton has moved on to helm in New Orleans, where he lead the Saints to the 2006 NFC title game. Meanwhile, Shanahan missed last year’s playoffs with a shocking loss to the 49ers in the last game of the season.

And Romo? He doesn’t regret his decision, saying “I think I made the right choice for right now.”

Starting for the Cowboys, a Pro Bowl appearance and one Carrie Underwood later - it would appear so.