Tony Romo Faces Criticism for Commenting on Mahomes’ Slip in Bills-Broncos Game

Casey Halston

Published: January 25, 2026 5:31 PM ET

Tony Romo Faces Criticism for Commenting on Mahomes’ Slip in Bills-Broncos Game

Tony Romo recently found himself under scrutiny after mistakenly referring to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as “Patrick Mahomes” during a crucial playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos. This slip occurred during the AFC Divisional Round, prompting a wave of reactions and discussions online.

Incident Overview

The moment unfolded during the second quarter of the game. As Allen made a significant run, Romo commented, “Look at Mahomes right here,” before quickly realizing his error. Despite being a minor mistake, it resonated strongly with fans in the rapidly paced NFL broadcast environment.

Fans React to Romo’s Mistake

Many viewers saw it as a significant blunder, especially considering Mahomes was not part of the playoff landscape this year.
Criticism flowed across social media platforms such as X and Instagram, where fans replayed the moment.
Comments such as, “Tony Romo is so deprived of playoff Mahomes that he’s starting to think Josh Allen is Patrick Mahomes,” encapsulated the sentiment.
Some fans demanded Romo be held accountable, indicating a heightened scrutiny around his broadcasting style.

Context of the Mistake

This incident highlights a recurring theme in Romo’s career. His regular appearance during key Chiefs games has led to perceptions of favoritism toward Mahomes. Just moments before the slip, CBS aired a graphic discussing the Chiefs’ absence from the playoffs, further complicating the context.

Romo’s Mixed Night in the Broadcast Booth

Despite the backlash, Romo showcased his skills later in the game by accurately predicting a Broncos touchdown. His analysis included a breakdown of the coverage and the precise route run by wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey. This display served as a reminder of Romo’s early career prowess in sports commentary.

Looking Ahead

As Romo and Jim Nantz prepare for the AFC Championship Game, they face increasing scrutiny. CBS will not broadcast the Super Bowl this year, marking an unusual situation for Romo since he joined the network in 2017.

With each game, Tony Romo continues to navigate the complexities of modern sports broadcasting. His recent mistake has sparked discussions about both his strengths and weaknesses, further engaging fans in the competitive world of the NFL.