NEW YORK  —  Jessica Simpson can thank her father/manager Joe Simpson for her new beau, Dallas Cowboys star Tony Romo, the New York Post's Page Six gossip column reports.

"Joe and Tony have been friendly for a while. Joe is a huge Dallas Cowboy fan, and Tony has always had a crush on her -- he even said on his Web site like a year ago that it was his dream to date her," a friend of Jessica's reportedly told Page Six.

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"Jessica has been in Nashville and Dallas recording her new country album. When Tony found out, he called Joe and said, 'I know she's not dating anyone right now, can I take her out for a drink at least?' Jessica said it was OK for Joe to give Tony her number and they hit it off. They've been dating for a couple of weeks now, and Jessica is so happy. She's been texting everyone about how great he is," the friend said, adding that Romo even joined the Simpsons in Waco, Texas, for Thanksgiving.

A rep for Simpson wouldn't comment on her personal life but told Page Six, "She is happily recording her country album."

Romo has been linked to Carrie Underwood and Sophia Bush, and Simpson recently dated John Mayer.

Earlier this month, Simpson told "The View" that she wants a real man — and one who likes babies.

"As far as boys go, I don't need 'em. I want a man," Simpson said, adding that she wants "somebody who's a really great family guy."

"Like if a kid were to come up to him and tug on his shirt, he'd pick him up and twirl him around. I definitely love a family man, a guy that's not afraid to pick up the babies. ... Somebody that wants to meet my grandparents immediately. I think all those characteristics are what make a man attractive."

She also wants a guy who won't be intimidated her success.

"I think mentally, I need a guy that can really have a strong, confident woman," she said.