LOCALS IN THE NFL
Tony Romo Says Jets QB Zach Wilson Is ‘Super Rare,’ Compares To ‘Young Dan Marino’
Aug 19, 2021, 3:12 PM | Updated: Aug 20, 2021, 3:25 pm

Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets warms up before the start of a preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former NFL quarterback and current football analyst Tony Romo praised New York Jets rookie Zach Wilson and said he is a “super rare” talent that reminds him of a “young Dan Marino.”
Romo compared Wilson to the Miami Dolphins legend during a press conference prior to his participation in the Utah Open golf tournament.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback told the media that Wilson is a special player.
“I think you guys don’t quite know how good this kid is. I think he is super rare,” Romo said. “I think he’s like a young Dan Marino.”
Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is getting ready to play in the #UtahOpen this weekend. During his media availability he raved about Zach Wilson and the player he could become in the #NFL.
"I think he's super rare."🗣️👂🏽👇🏽#BYUFootball l #NYJets l @KSLSports pic.twitter.com/3ZNaANVnza— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) August 19, 2021
“I just think that Zach has rare ability,” Romo continued. “I’ve watched him in his first preseason game, and like maybe four other play, but I can see certain things. And he has a couple of special traits that God doesn’t give those gifts to very many people.”
The analyst went on to list a number of great quarterbacks to play the game from Marino to Joe Montana and Tom Brady. Romo implied that Wilson is from the same mold.
“I think without knowing him — I think he is a hard worker and cares and loves the sport,” Romo said. “The ceiling is crazy high for this kid. I mean Patrick Mahomes crazy levels, which is saying something.”
“I think you guys don’t quite know how good this kid is. I think he’s like a young Dan Marino… he has rare ability.”
Tony Romo on Zach Wilson#BYUFootball l #Jets— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) August 19, 2021
Wilson is about to play his second preseason game as an NFL quarterback. He finished the Jets’ opening preseason contest 6/9 passing for 63 yards and led New York to a field goal.
New York’s second preseason contest is against the Packers on Saturday, August 21 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on the NFL Network.
Wilson and the Jets open the regular season against the Carolina Panthers on September 12 at 11 a.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on CBS.
The Utah Open runs through the weekend and includes the KSL Pro-Am.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).