The New England Patriots have been one of the surprise packages of the NFL season, with Drake Maye emerging as an MVP contender as the team moved to 8-2 – and Tony Romo made an odd comment

Tony Romo’s surprising comment stunned fans as he watched the Patriots’ win over the Buccaneers from the booth(Image: Getty Images)

Tony Romo caught viewers off guard as he claimed the New England Patriots are “DTF” during the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On Sunday, two MVP contenders went head-to-head as Drake Maye and Baker Mayfield clashed when the in-form Patriots traveled to the Buccaneers. New England sealed a 28-23 victory to tighten their grip on the AFC East, with the game broadcast on CBS.

It was a game featuring high-level quarterback play. Maye completed 16 of 31 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns, along with an interception, while Mayfield threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns.

Amid the fireworks, one moment that caught the eye – or ear – was Romo’s odd quip. In the second quarter, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback made an odd reference to an acronym that has other meanings.

While praising Mike Vrabel’s Patriots, Romo told broadcasting partner Jim Nantz: “This team is DTF. Details, toughness, and they finish.”

Nantz simply replied: “That’s very close to what Vrabel tells ’em, too.” He added that the “T” could also mean “technique.”

Romo’s comment went viral quickly as fans and NFL figures recoiled from his comment. NFL insider Albert Breer took to X to post: “Tony Romo just said the Patriots are DTF … Guess he hasn’t seen Jersey Shore?”

The famed acronym was featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore reality series when cast members spoke about their sexual rendezvous, with some of its stars using it to express someone was “down to f—.” Another user posted: “Okay who told Tony Romo that’s what ‘dtf’ means.” ESPN’s Mina Kimes also posted: “The Patriots are D T what now?”

The Patriots held on to win 28-23 on the road against the Buccaneers, who were coming off a bye. Maye was exceptional and strengthened his MVP case; he has thrown for 2,555 yards and 19 touchdowns to just five interceptions.

As he left the field with a road win, Maye was asked about receiving MVP chants in Tampa Bay. The quarterback insisted they could have been for his rival, saying: “MVP [chants] for Baker. Baker is playing his butt off.

“I’m a big fan of Baker’s game; they are a very good football team, but we travel well, that’s the Patriots, that’s us.”

The Patriots moved to 8-2 with the win, while the Buffalo Bills fell to 6-3 in a boost to Vrabel’s team. New England is next in action against the 2-7 New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Thursday Night Football on Nov. 13.