Kitna Happy To Stay On The Sidelines

Through the 2009 season, Tony Romo took every snap for Dallas--every run, every pass, every kneel-down--a first in the history of the franchise, and a kind of amazing fact, it also means that second-stringer Jon Kitna, who has drawn some praise from Jerry Jones of late as a viable insurance policy for Dallas, saw exactly zero snaps after the preseason.

Kitna was the only back-up in the league to go through the 2009 season literally untested. But the veteran has no mixed feelings about his role in Dallas; in fact, he readily admits that, as a back-up, a season like 2009 is hopeful, as far as the good of the organization is concerned.

"You know when you take the backup role, the best thing is for you not to play," Kitna said, per ESPN Dallas. "The best thing for the football team is for you not to play. You have to have that mindset, but at the same time you got to be ready to play. So, I mean to be the only backup that didn’t take a snap in the league, I was happy for Tony."

Kitna was acquired in February of 2009 in a trade that sent cornerback Anthony Henry to Detroit. Since, he’s become an asset in the locker room if nothing else--and this is evidenced by such an understanding of his role behind Romo. Unlike Drew Bledsoe, who was never really a mentor to Romo, Kitna has made himself an open book to the two-time Pro Bowler, who is entering his fourth season as opening day starter.

"I really enjoyed being around the winning and enjoyed watching a guy play at a high level," said Kitna. "And when you've been the places that I've been, it's just nice to be in a place you feel like everyone is going in the same direction."

Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW Sports on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe to this free service.  Read more about it here.

Contact Us