The Detroit Lions have extended an invitation to San Antonio Brahmas kicker John Parker Romo to attend their rookie minicamp as a veteran tryout. Aaron Wilson tweeted about the news, saying,
“#Lions invited @XFLBrahmas kicker John Parker Romo (17 for 19 this season) as a veteran tryout for their rookie minicamp. Has drawn interest from multiple #NFL teams. Was previously with #Saints last preseason. @mike_delledonne.”
Romo has had an impressive season with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas, successfully converting 17 of his 19 field goal attempts, with a long of 57 yards. The 25-year-old kicker has been particularly efficient from long range, making 9-of-10 from beyond 40 yards. One of his misses came at a game against the DC Defenders that would have sent the Brahmas to the playoffs. Despite that miss, he was still the best kicker in the XFL.
Before joining the XFL, Romo had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints during the last preseason, but lost his training camp battle. Prior to that, he enjoyed a successful college career, earning All-ACC Third Team (PFF College) honors and being invited to the 2022 Tropical Bowl. In 2021, Romo made 18 of 22 field goals, including seven of nine from 40+ yards, while also making all 34 of his PATs, totaling 88 points for the season.
Romo started his college career at the University of Central Arkansas, then transferred to Tulsa, and eventually landed at Virginia Tech, where he excelled as a placekicker and kickoff specialist. Throughout his college career, Romo was known for his powerful leg, consistently producing touchbacks on kickoffs and connecting on long field goal attempts.
The Detroit Lions are giving Romo an opportunity to prove himself in the NFL, and with his track record of success, he has a real shot at making the team. If he can continue to demonstrate his accuracy and consistency in the minicamp, Romo could very well find himself on the Lions’ roster for the upcoming season.
