Jon Kitna is taking time over his winter break as a math teacher at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Wash. to serve as an emergency backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys this week.
If Tony Romo is unable to play against the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that will decide the NFC East title, Kitna will be the backup for Kyle Orton. As a 10-year NFL veteran, Kitna will make $55,294 for his one week of work likely holding a clipboard.
Kitna has been teaching and serving as head football coach at his alma mater since retiring from the league after the 2011 season.
According to Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News, Kitna indicated Wednesday his school would be the beneficiary of his brief return to the NFL. Kitna told teammates and broadcaster Brad Sham that he would be donating the check to Lincoln High School.
If the Cowboys lose Sunday night and miss the postseason, Kitna will be back home in time for the start of school after the first of the year. Regardless of the outcome of the game, Lincoln will be the winners for Kitna’s brief foray back to the Cowboys.