Yes, Tony Romo was here Friday.

Romo was here because his girlfriend Jessica Simpson was performing with Rascal Flatts in Champaign.

But he was here to talk football. And that’s it. End of story.

He was not here to talk about offseason storylines or about Simpson, Terrell Owens or about the Cowboys.

He wasn’t here to talk about donating money or anything else. He’s just a former Eastern quarterback here to talk about schemes with the current Eastern football coaches.

And while Romo was pursued by athletes, administrators and media, he handled it with ease.

“He’s a great role model,” Eastern athletic director Barbara Burke said.

Here’s what Romo did talk about: Plans with the football coaches about what he has faced in the NFL and how the Eastern football team can use different plans for this upcoming season.

“I was bursting at the seams to keep it secret,” Eastern defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said. “It’s nice when he comes back.”

Romo did create quite a stir on Friday afternoon that had the football offices at O’Brien Stadium filled.

“It’s really nice for our kids to see what they could become if they got lucky and worked hard,” Bellantoni said. “It’s nice to have him back on campus. Never mind the fact that we grill him. We learn a little football. It’s good to see an old friend. I hope it’s not too much of a bother for him, and he’ll come back in the future.”

Someone let the word loose that Romo was here.

Eastern head coach Bob Spoo’s wife, Susan, was told that she had to leave the middle school to see if Romo was here and get some autographs.

Romo gave some invaluable insight to the coaches.

“It was obviously beneficial,” Spoo said. “There’s no question about that. Anytime we can pick the brain of an NFL quarterback, he’s going to give something that’s going to possibly help you.”

The Panthers will need that after finishing the 2008 season with a 5-7 record after making three straight NCAA Football College Subdivision playoff appearances from 2005-07.

Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at [email protected].