from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013.Supercars championship leader Jamie Whincup has secu

FRISCO, Texas -- Tony Romo stopped a reporter in the middle of what appeared to be the first question in his first meeting with the media since August.The Dallas quarterback brought a statement, and he wasnt going to answer any questions Tuesday.The 36-year-old coming off his fourth back injury in less than four years conceded the starting job to Dak Prescott , who has led the Cowboys (8-1) to a franchise season record-tying eight straight wins and the best record in the NFL.And a somber Romo didnt hide his disappointment while reading the five-minute statement.Hes earned the right to be our quarterback, Romo said of the 23-year-old rookie. As hard as that is for me to say, hes earned that right. Hes guided our team to an 8-1 record and thats hard to do.Romo, who broke a bone in his back in a preseason game, is expected to be Prescotts backup Sunday at home against Baltimore (5-4). It should be the first time Romo is active since Thanksgiving last year, and the first time in 10 years he isnt the Dallas starter.If you think for a second that I dont want to be out there, then you probably never felt the pure ecstasy of competing and winning, Romo said. That hasnt left me. In fact, it may burn now more than ever.Romo was surprisingly reflective as well, recalling the early days of his career when he was an unheralded free agent fighting to stay on the roster. Now hes the franchise leader in passing yards and touchdowns, ahead of Super Bowl winners Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.But hes also in the same place Drew Bledsoe was in 2006 when Romo replaced an ineffective Bledsoe at halftime of a loss to the New York Giants six games into the season and never gave up the starting job.I remember the feeling like it was yesterday, Romo said. It really is an incredible time in your life. And if I remember one thing from back then, its the people that helped me along when I was young. And if I can be that to Dak, I tried to be and I will be going forward.Romo signed the first $100 million contract in franchise history in 2013 and counts $20.8 million against the salary cap this season. The cap hit next year is nearly $25 million, but the Cowboys can reduce it by roughly $5 million if they release him.The mood was more jovial earlier in the day when owner and general manager Jerry Jones made one of his weekly radio appearances.I paid a lot of money for a backup quarterback as you well know, Jones said, referring to Kyle Ortons $3 million salary as Romos backup several years ago. And this, by the way, is going to be the record for having paid this for a backup quarterback.The Cowboys went 1-11 in the 12 games Romo missed last season with a twice-broken left collarbone. When he immediately grabbed his back after getting tackled awkwardly from behind in the preseason against Seattle, Dallas hopes seemed doomed again.But Prescott had already shown promise in the preseason. And after a one-point loss to the New York Giants in the opener, he has led fourth-quarter comebacks and easy victories alike while compiling the fourth-best passer rating (106.2) with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions.We all know something magical is happening to our team, Romo said. Im not going to allow this situation to negatively affect Dak or this football team by becoming a constant distraction. I think Dak knows that I have his back. And I think I know that he has mine.After Romo went down in Seattle, the initial word was that his surgically repaired back had withstood the hit. But the broken bone was diagnosed the next day, with an initial timeframe of six to 10 weeks to recover.Getting hurt when you feel like you have the best team youve ever had was a soul-crushing moment for me, Romo said. You almost feel like an outsider. Coaches are sympathetic, but they still have to coach. And youre not there. Its a dark place, probably the darkest its ever been.Part of the darkness came from Romo realizing where he is in his career.Seasons are fleeting, he said in a speech with several pauses. Games become more precious. Chances for success diminish. Your potential successor has arrived, injured two years in a row and now in the mid-30s, the press is whispering, everyone has doubts, youve spent your career working to get here.And now Romos a backup again.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL---Follow Schuyler Dixon on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apschuylerMiami Marlins Gear . The deal is pending a physical, assistant general manager Bobby Evans said. Traded from Seattle to Baltimore on Aug. 30, Morse also can play first base and right field to give manager Bruce Bochy some flexibility in writing his lineup. Wholesale Marlins Jerseys . The nimble-footed quarterback got his wish, dashing through the snow and a weary defence all the way into the NCAA record book. https://www.cheapmarlinsjerseys.us/ . How great will be revealed in the next couple of days at the board of governors meeting in Pebble Beach, Calif. Miami Marlins Pro Shop . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. Fake Marlins Jerseys . Self was acquired from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013.Supercars championship leader Jamie Whincup has secured pole position for Saturdays 200km race in Townsville.Its the Holden stars first pole of the year.Whincups one minute and 12.1443 second lap was a new qualifying lap record at the Reid Park street circuit and ensures hell start ahead alongside Red Bull Racing teammate Shane Van Gisbergen on the grid.Ive made my run a little bit late this year, well start from mid-season, Whincup said.Happy with pole. Cars fantastic.Whincup is chasing an eighth race win in Townsville as he attempts to extend his 30-point championship lead.Van Gisbergen, who spent part of the 20-minute session with his car inside the garage, clocked a 1:12.3242 to qualify second.Holdens Jammes Courtney (1:12.dddddddddddd4368) and Fords Chaz Mostert (1:12.4544) make up the second-row of the grid.Defending series champion Mark Winterbottom - who won both races in Townsville last year - will start from fifth.Veteran Craig Lowndes will start 11th after an underwhelming qualifying display.Former Bathurst 1000 winner Nick Percat was penalised two grid positions after blocking Aaren Russell early in the session, meaning hell start from 19th.Teenager Kurt Kostecki, making his first Supercars race start, will start from 26th alongside Russell.Saturdays race starts at 4.10pm. ' ' '