FORT WORTH, Texas -- Pictures surfaced over the weekend of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and pop star Jessica Simpson vacationing in Mexico just days before a playoff game.

The couple were vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico, with a few friends, including fellow Cowboys Jason Witten, Marc Columbo and Bobby Carpenter. The photos show the group relaxing on a patio and Simpson spending time in the pool.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips instructed his players to take advantage of the first round playoff bye and to get away from football for a few days, NBC reported.

"People will look for blame if you lose and will basically let all that stuff go when you win because they don't think it was relevant and it isn't," said Phillips.

But the vacation time has caused a bit of controversy, with a critical playoff game just days away many fans are asking if the players shouldn't have just stayed at home and relaxed in Dallas.

"We don't look at it any other way than to get away and enjoy it. It's no different than jumping on a flight and going home like some of the guys did here," said Witten.

Romo did not speak with the media after the team's practice on Monday, but Witten spoke up for him.

"He [Romo] can't go anywhere here, so the best thing he can do is jump on an hour and a half flight and get away," said Witten.

Romo and Witten aren't the only ones staying busy when not on the practice field, Cowboys Akin Ayodele, Brady James and Marcus Spears all traveled Monday afternoon to New Orleans to watch the BCS National Championship game between Ohio State and LSU.

The Dallas Cowboys will play the New York Giants at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.