Drew Bledsoe criticizes Tony Romo, praises Tom Brady in 'Sunday NFL Countdown' segment

Retired NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe didn't hold back in searing criticism of CBS No. 1 color commentator Tony Romo during a segment Sunday morning on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown."

In a video narrated by Alex Smith of "Countdown" about the nuanced relationship between quarterbacks, particularly when a backup threatens to take a starter's job, Bledsoe revealed what separates Brady and Romo.

In 2001, Brady took over as the Patriots starting quarterback when Bledsoe suffered an injury, and he never looked back, leading New England to its first Super Bowl in franchise history.

Five years later, former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells benched Bledsoe for Romo at halftime of a 12-7 "Monday Night Football" game against the Giants in an eventual 36-22 loss.

Bledsoe recalled both moments in the "Countdown" segment, firing a shot at Romo.

"In Dallas, Parcells made the decision to yank me at halftime of a game and throw Romo in there. Really didn't agree with that one," the four-time Pro Bowler said.

"If you're watching this, Romo, you know this is true. The minute that he became the starter, he became pretty big in his own mind. And he was no longer the curious, inquisitive guy.

"That was the difference between him and Tommy. Tommy became the starter, he still was asking all the questions where all of a sudden Romo was the guy that had all the answers."

The numbers back up Bledsoe's candid reveal. Brady won seven Super Bowls and three MVP awards during an illustrious 23-year career.

Meanwhile, Romo reached four Pro Bowls and led the NFL in completion percentage once (69.9% in 2014) in 13 seasons.

Bledsoe's harsh criticism comes hours before Romo and Brady compete in the broadcasting booth as CBS and Fox's No. 1 color commentators, respectively.

If either wants, they have the platform to respond.