Tony Romo couldn’t help himself as the replay review of Drew Brees’ late touchdown turned into a celebration on innuendo.
Sunday’s playoff matchup between the Saints and the Bears wasn’t particularly memorable until the broadcast team of Tony Romo and Jim Nantz were handed a bit they couldn’t pass up.
With two minutes left to play in a game that was essentially decided, Drew Brees tried to put the game away for good when he stretched out the ball at the goal line on fourth down. Refs called the play a touchdown on the field, but replays quickly raised doubt about whether the ball had indeed crossed the plane.
It all came down to the angle of the camera views. Was the tip of the football in? If you snickered like a schoolboy, you’re not alone.
Both announcers totally unable to ignore Romo going there again https://t.co/NHqgtM4GwM pic.twitter.com/v7IzxZCS9t
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 11, 2021
Was that Romo snickering at the “just the tip” reference?? It better be. If that was Nantz I’ll die
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) January 11, 2021
“Once again, just the tip has to get over”
— Raysin (@TheRaysin) January 11, 2021
Gene Steratore- pic.twitter.com/ugO3vI6jYA
The internet had a field day with the moment, particularly as Romo and Nantz continued to discuss varying definitions of the word “tip.”
Romo with two “just the tip” jokes on the broadcast today. pic.twitter.com/Gae3dyjD6u
— Jeff Ratcliffe (@JeffRatcliffe) January 11, 2021
It wasn’t even the first time they’d used a line about tips.
"Just the tip there Jim." Good thing Tony Romo isn't calling the #bearssaints on #nickelodeonnfl pic.twitter.com/QULBQcNsVw
— Nate Scharenbrock (@scharenbro) January 11, 2021
The jokes would have been funny enough without the added context of Nickelodeon’s broadcast of the playoff game.
Nickelodeon's broadcast. pic.twitter.com/V5PKZ72CWG
— Darrell Dass (@DarrellDass) January 11, 2021
That’s not to say everyone enjoyed the moment.
Nance and Romo continually using the term “tip” and giggling #NOvsCHI pic.twitter.com/rLeIEpPRtH
— Jarv (@JarvFromOz) January 11, 2021
Who else is traumatized by Tony Romo talking about getting tips in???
— Dylan Charles (@dylan_charles_) January 11, 2021
Ultimately, the officials determined Brees hadn’t gotten the ball across the line. The touchdown was reversed and the Bears got the ball on downs. The jokes didn’t stop then.
So he didn't put the tip in ....
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 11, 2021
Even though he didn’t get that rushing touchdown, Brees had a strong outing. He finished with 265 yards and two touchdowns passing. Alvin Kamara, who’s failed third-down rush set up the moment of the game, had 99 yards and a score on the ground.
The Saints went on to win 21-9 after the Bears went down the field and scored as time expired. New Orleans will now take on Tampa Bay in the Divisional Round of the playoffs while the Bears 2020 season is officially ended.