Thank You, Tony

I hate the Dallas Cowboys, but I am quickly learning to love the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.

I am going to try hard not to get on a soapbox here, but I am not very good at avoiding that, especially in situations like this.  I believe that the one thing that our culture lacks more than anything else is compassion for one another.  And, though I do not believe professional athletes exemplify it any more than anyone else, they are often the poster children for a lack of compassion because they are rich, they are famous, and they play games for a living, and are therefore held to a higher standard of compassion.  So, to compensate for this, many of them write large checks to various charities.  They play golf tournaments to raise money or spend a day with the United Way.  And, believe me, I am not in any way degrading these actions.  I think it is fantastic for these people to use their fame and fortune to give back–I just think that these things are easy.  How hard is it to write a $1,000 check when you’re making one hundred times that?  Again, not degrading, just commenting on the ease of this–and the benefits of it (public image, tax breaks, etc.).  One more time–this is NOT a bad thing, I just want to call it what it is–easy.

And, with easy, often comes a subtle, yet profound separation from the why.  Why is it important to give to charitable organizations or to raise money for cancer research or to grant wishes to children with terminal illnesses?  And, the answer to this has nothing to do with the public or the IRS.  It is oneself and one’s place in a larger society.  One should do philanthropic actions because you care about your fellow man.  And, it ought to be a selfish act–selflessness is best expressed selfishly.

That brings us back to the Cowboys’ quarterback.  Back in early September, the Cowboys defeated the Cleveland Browns 28-10.  During the game, their quarterback, Tony Romo, took a big hit that split his chin.  So, after the game, he went to the hospital and received 13 stitches.  On his way home, he spotted a couple broken down on the side of the road.  The couple, whose broken air compressor was prohibiting them from repairing a flat tire, watched as more than 100 cars passed by and did not stop.  Finally, a car stopped, a man got out and helped them fix their tire.  This man had a large bandage on his chin, but refused to confirm who he was at first.  Finally, he admitted that, yes, he was the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.

Now, as reported in the Dallas Morning News, Romo’s compassion is not limited just to those with large cars and bad luck.  It extends to those with no cars and bad luck.  Apparently, Romo was going to see the new movie Role Model, when he saw a homeless man doing day labor handing out fliers for a consignment store across the street.  Not only did Romo buy the man a ticket to the movie, but he insisted that he sit with him and his friend during it.  The man, who goes by Doc, was embarrassed that he had not showered in a couple days, but Romo brushed it off, saying “Don’t worry about that.  I’m used to locker rooms.”

These two acts, and possibly others that may have not been reported, show a sense of character that transcends arm strength or red zone touchdowns.  These are not the usual pro athlete acts of charity because all evidence points to the fact that Romo was most certainly not doing this for publicity or fame.  Though it is easy to change a tire or watch a movie, these acts of kindness are not easy because they require stopping on the side of the road and making the effort to insist that Doc sits with him.  As a social worker who works predominantly with the homeless, the one thing that makes me happier than anything to see in fellow human beings is compassion.  Tony Romo has that, and Tony Romo truly “gets it.”  He seems to recognize that his fame and his fortune are powerful and, when used for good, can be incredibly rewarding.  As Doc said, “It was a blessing.  It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind.  I just wanted to say thank you.”

I, too, just want say thank you, Tony, though I am sure that the feeling of personal satisfaction that you get from these acts is more than enough gratitude for 20 minutes on the side of a road or watching a movie with an extra friend.