Jim Everett Extends Olive Branch to Jim Rome, Willing to Let Bygones Be Bygones

Former NFL quarterback Jim Everett, who had a memorable altercation with sportscaster Jim Rome in 1994, is open to reconciling and possibly working together in the future.

Former NFL quarterback Jim Everett has expressed a willingness to put aside his past differences with sportscaster Jim Rome, nearly three decades after their infamous on-air altercation.

In an appearance on OutKick's "The Ricky Cobb Show," Everett revealed that Rome had reached out to him about 10 years ago, acknowledging that his actions during their 1994 interview were a "mistake."

Jim Everett Extends Olive Branch to Jim Rome, Willing to Let Bygones Be Bygones

Everett, who led the NFL in touchdown passes in 1988 and 1989 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1990, found himself in the crosshairs of Rome's sharp tongue after being traded to the New Orleans Saints.

During an interview on ESPN, Rome repeatedly mocked Everett, calling him "Chris" in reference to tennis star Chris Evert and insinuating that he wasn't willing to endure punishment during games.

Jim Everett Extends Olive Branch to Jim Rome, Willing to Let Bygones Be Bygones

Everett's patience wore thin, and when Rome persisted, the quarterback pushed the broadcaster to the ground and overturned a table between them. Miraculously, there were no injuries or legal repercussions from the incident.

Despite the passage of time, the moment remains etched in the minds of football fans. Reflecting on the episode, Everett acknowledged Rome's perspective, considering that his team was struggling at the time and quarterbacks often bear the brunt of criticism.

Jim Everett Extends Olive Branch to Jim Rome, Willing to Let Bygones Be Bygones

Everett's willingness to forgive and move on is not motivated by a desire to erase history but rather to embrace the possibility of collaboration. He proposed a hypothetical project involving himself, Rome, and Chris Evert, believing it would be an amusing and impactful way to demonstrate that bygones can indeed be bygones.

Everett's invitation to reconcile is notable, considering that Rome has previously expressed regret for his actions. In a 2009 interview, he acknowledged that he had "crossed a line" with Everett and that his comments were "uncalled for."

Jim Everett Extends Olive Branch to Jim Rome, Willing to Let Bygones Be Bygones

While Rome has not yet publicly responded to Everett's latest overtures, the former quarterback's sincerity and willingness to engage in dialogue suggest a genuine desire for reconciliation.

Their story encapsulates the highs and lows of sports media, where the pursuit of sensationalism can sometimes cross the line of decency. Everett's journey from victim of media provocation to potential collaborator demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and the possibility of healing old wounds.

As Everett aptly put it, "It was just amped up so much. ... I get the whole thing of it. It was just amped up so much. There was a commercial we were looking at doing, and it was going to pay a good six figures, and [Rome] turned it down. I'm like, 'Are you kidding me?' So, I'm kind of open to that and would reach out on Professor Cobb's show right now and say, 'Jim, let's do something together because this is too much fun to make it not profitable.'"

Whether or not Rome accepts Everett's invitation remains to be seen, but the former quarterback's olive branch is a reminder that even in the most heated of conflicts, the path to reconciliation is never truly closed.