Favre, Romo receive equal billing
But Romo will get more cheers when their teams play Thursday.
By Nancy Armour, Associated Press
Article Launched: 11/28/2007 03:14:49 AM PST
BURLINGTON, Wis. - On the wall behind the bar at Fred's - the self-proclaimed home of the world's best burger - Tony Romo and Brett Favre get equal billing. A signed Romo jersey hangs in a frame on one side, a big picture of a young Favre on the other.
Most weeks, there's no conflict in this division of loyalties. Residents can root for Romo, the local kid who grew up to be quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and still be loyal to Favre and the Green Bay Packers.
But this week, an agonizing choice will have to be made. When the Packers play at Dallas on Thursday night in a game that could decide home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, you may as well ask the folks in Burlington which family member they like best.
"Probably the best scenario that could happen is if Tony throws for five touchdowns and loses to the Packers by a point. I think that would be the best scenario for everyone in Burlington," said Fred Mabson, the Fred of Fred's Parkview who has known Romo since the quarterback was 8 or 9.
"It's hard not to have strong feelings on either side."
Though it is closer to Chicago than Green Bay, Burlington sits squarely in Packers country.
Green Bay flags fly outside of several homes, there are Packers bumper stickers and window decals galore, and signs outside of bars tout big-screen TVs and drink specials for games.
One home even has a wooden Packer supporting its mailbox.
And the playground outside an area elementary school? It has green swings and a gold slide.
"That's Packer country, man," said Dallas tight end Jason Witten, who is one of Romo's best friends on the Cowboys and has been back to Burlington with him. "They love Tony now, there's a lot of No. 9 jerseys up there. But I think they love Brett Favre a little bit more right now."
By Nancy Armour, Associated Press
Article Launched: 11/28/2007 03:14:49 AM PST
BURLINGTON, Wis. - On the wall behind the bar at Fred's - the self-proclaimed home of the world's best burger - Tony Romo and Brett Favre get equal billing. A signed Romo jersey hangs in a frame on one side, a big picture of a young Favre on the other.
Most weeks, there's no conflict in this division of loyalties. Residents can root for Romo, the local kid who grew up to be quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and still be loyal to Favre and the Green Bay Packers.
But this week, an agonizing choice will have to be made. When the Packers play at Dallas on Thursday night in a game that could decide home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, you may as well ask the folks in Burlington which family member they like best.
"Probably the best scenario that could happen is if Tony throws for five touchdowns and loses to the Packers by a point. I think that would be the best scenario for everyone in Burlington," said Fred Mabson, the Fred of Fred's Parkview who has known Romo since the quarterback was 8 or 9.
"It's hard not to have strong feelings on either side."
Though it is closer to Chicago than Green Bay, Burlington sits squarely in Packers country.
Green Bay flags fly outside of several homes, there are Packers bumper stickers and window decals galore, and signs outside of bars tout big-screen TVs and drink specials for games.
One home even has a wooden Packer supporting its mailbox.
And the playground outside an area elementary school? It has green swings and a gold slide.
"That's Packer country, man," said Dallas tight end Jason Witten, who is one of Romo's best friends on the Cowboys and has been back to Burlington with him. "They love Tony now, there's a lot of No. 9 jerseys up there. But I think they love Brett Favre a little bit more right now."
posted by The Gryphon at 7:50 AM
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