Romo Update: Back Surgery may have found additional complication, but team confident in return

[jobberone]

RIght now, Romo would have to be the second-oldest quarterback to win his first Super Bowl. The prime SB ages for qbs is clearly 26 to 34.

Could Romo be a reasonably functional NFL quatrterback to 38 or 39? Sure. But after 34, you're pretty much just kidding yourself.

I agree that the stats show a gradual decline although the data for each QB isn't linear. I wouldn't use SBs to measure the abilities of a QB as that is too dependent on so many variables that have nothing to do with the QB. But you are right about older QBs not winning the SB. Of course there are plenty of very good to better QBs who never won a SB no matter their age.

 

[jobberone]

I didn't claim to be either one, but I am on a first name basis with my neurosurgeon. I also know that Romo has a serious problem. Any back surgery is serious and has potential to end his career.

I'm on a first name basis with my dentist and ophthalmologist but I wouldn't make anything more than generalized statements about them.

 

[jobberone]

Why is that? Currently Romo is not a HOF QB and the prospects for him being a HOF QB are extremely bleak and he has played a significant role in that. He has had opportunities but played poorly in the playoffs/elimination games. We aren't talking about Marino or Elway here. If you were in his shoes would you really play until 38 or 39? I'm sure he would like to pick his kids up and throw ball with them etc.

Strawman argument and deflection. See my post above. And this entire conversation about him being so dysfunctional he cannot play with his kids is absurd. Of course he could have recurring problems with his back but most people have this kind of surgery at this age and function perfectly fine. He isn't likely at all to have DJD or facet arthropathy at his age nor in the immediate future.

 

[jnday]

I'm on a first name basis with my dentist and ophthalmologist but I wouldn't make anything more than generalized statements about them.

Did I make any specific statements? Saying that back surgery can result in serious problems is about as generalized as it gets. You disagree?

 

[ufcrules1]

Strawman argument and deflection. See my post above. And this entire conversation about him being so dysfunctional he cannot play with his kids is absurd. Of course he could have recurring problems with his back but most people have this kind of surgery at this age and function perfectly fine. He isn't likely at all to have DJD or facet arthropathy at his age nor in the immediate future.

No, what is a deflection is you comparing him to HOF QB's when he clearly isn't one and using that as a basis for why he will play until 38 or 39. Also, the playing with his kids thing is not absurd. I have heard other players in the NFL who retired mention the same exact thing. They want to get out when they realize they are going downhill and want to do so before they suffer too many debilitating injuries.

 

[jnday]

We aren't talking about 40 yo QBs. So u may have read the discussion but you aren't following it well.

I am following it very well. You are stating that the fall off point is 38 years old for QBs when only a few remain in the NFL as starters at that age. I agree with an earlier post stating that they hit their prime about ten years sooner than the 38 year old age of decline you stated. Even the QB position is for a young man.

 

[Doc50]

Strawman argument and deflection. See my post above. And this entire conversation about him being so dysfunctional he cannot play with his kids is absurd. Of course he could have recurring problems with his back but most people have this kind of surgery at this age and function perfectly fine. He isn't likely at all to have DJD or facet arthropathy at his age nor in the immediate future.

Agreed.

And the first surgery was not for structural or neurologic issues -- just a pilonidal cyst, totally unrelated.

That said, all NFL players are just one hit away from retirement, so the commitment of resources for adequate back-ups will always be an important yet difficult dilemma.

Orton's making a ton of money, and obviously can't throw deep accurately. My opinion is that we should cut him and get a future blue chip leader like McCarron.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

I think people are just worried about the future without Romo. That's why they hope that he'll play until 38 or 39. I can't see him playing much longer. I wouldn't be shocked if he retired when his best friend Witten does. Maybe another 2 years if we're lucky. His era with the Cowboys is coming to an end whether anyone likes it or not. Jerry better be prepared for it.

 

[Alexander]

I think people are just worried about the future without Romo. That's why they hope that he'll play until 38 or 39.

Correct, mainly because they have battered wife syndrome because of the ridiculously horrible job Jerry Jones did the last time we needed a QB.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Correct, mainly because they have battered wife syndrome because of the ridiculously horrible job Jerry Jones did the last time we needed a QB.

I sure understand that. Jerry ruined us during those post Aikman years. I was caught up in it too. I was rooting for Quincy over Chad because I thought he was the best QB. I was wrong to do so. I still think he was the best QB but neither was ever going to take us to the SB. Those years convinced me that Jerry didn't know what he was doing.

 

[Risen Star]

I always envisioned Romo playing to 40 or so. He started late in his career and he's always said he wants to play as long as he can.

Play to 40 and play at a pretty high level too.

Of course the back issue now could easily change that.

 

[jobberone]

I am following it very well. You are stating that the fall off point is 38 years old for QBs when only a few remain in the NFL as starters at that age. I agree with an earlier post stating that they hit their prime about ten years sooner than the 38 year old age of decline you stated. Even the QB position is for a young man.

Not saying only a few remain as starters at that age although obviously it is less than 34. I'm saying most have a noticeable fall off of their usual production around the age of 38. There aren't many who play at a very high level after 38 but there are exceptions.

 

[jrumann59]

I'll bet it was more than 2 and I'd hate to guess how many he had in his career.

I stand corrected. DId not know about the Aikam article as it relates to Tony.

As for concussions the"official" number is 10 but many feel Aikman suffered in the neighborhood of 20.

As for why I thought he retired due to concussions was JJ pleading with him for mental health sake to hang it up way back when.