Jordan, Romo create popular pair to start ACC tourney

Basketball legend Michael Jordan and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will be paired together Friday during the opening round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, forming the most recognizable pairing in the tournament’s 21-year history. Adding to the threesome’s celebrity firepower is Boston Celtics star Ray Allen.

The Jordan, Romo, Allen group will tee off at 10:10am Frida just before Charles Barkley and after the marquee threesome of Troy Aikman, John Elway and Aaron Rogers. The American Century Championship’s nationally televised first round starts with an 8:1 am tee time for former champions and NFL quarterbacks Chris Chandler, Billy Joe Tollive, along with perennial contender Trent Dilfer.

“The Michael Jordan, Tony Romo, Ray Allen pairing should be our biggest and most popular pairing in the history of the American Century Championship,” tournament director Mike Milthorpe said in a statement. “Michael Jordan has traditionally drawn the largest galleries through the years, but Tony Romo has attracted huge crowds the past three years.”

Tony Romo and Michael Jordan

The 54-hole, $600,000 tournament features 82 sports and entertainment stars.

Romo has built a fanatic following during his four years at the event – among both celebrity seekers and serious golf fans. Romo finished third in 2008 and is currently a 5:2 choice at Harrah’s Race and Sports Book.

Romo has been named the recipient of the 2010 Brodie Award, recognizing an individual’s accomplishments in both a chosen profession and in the sport of golf.

The award is named for former National Football League Most Valuable Player (1970) John Brodie, the one-time San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Senior PGA Tour player. It is given each year by organizers of the American Century Championship. Previous winners include Mario Lemieux, Rick Rhoden, John Elway and last year’s winner, Trent Dilfer.

The Friday telecast will be carried on ESPN3 from noon-3pm and will re-air on ESPN2 at 8pm. The Saturday and Sunday rounds will be carried on NBC Sports from noon-3pm.