Dallas Cowboys: How Much Longer Will Tony Romo Play?

Many were shocked when the Dallas Cowboys signed their franchise quarterback, Tony Romo, to a seven-year, $119.5 million contract extension back in 2013. More than the amount itself, the years attached to the deal raised some eyebrows.

More from The Landry Hat

Romo will turn 35 years old this April. If he fulfills his current contract, which expires in 2020, the former undrafted rookie out of Eastern Illinois will play until he’s just a couple months shy of 40 years old.

In the history of the NF, only 18 quarterbacks have played at age 40 or older. They are: George Blanda, Steve DeBerg, Warren Moon, Vinny Testaverde, Doug Flutie, Earl Morrall, Mark Brunell, Brett Favre, Charlie Conerly, Len Dawson, Vince Evans, Joe Ferguson, Jim Hart, Brad Johnson, Sonny Jurgensen, Dave Krieg, Johnny Unitas, Wade Wilson.

Blanda is the oldest to ever play in the NFL at age 48. Romo’s childhood idol, Favre, played until he was 41.

Romo, who spent the first two years in the NFL on the bench, does have a bit more tread on his tires over highly drafted quarterbacks forced into action instantly. But his recent back injuries and subsequent surgeries could very well prematurely end his career.

Despite having surgery to repair a herniated disc on his lower back in December of 2013, last season was one of Romo’s best. Recording career highs in quarterback rating (113.2) and completion percentage (69.9%), Romo threw for 3,705 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2014. He was also named to his fourth Pro Bowl and received his first NFL All-Pro nomination (second team).

Unfortunately, Romo didn’t escape the season unscathed. He was knocked out of the Cowboys’ Week Eight Monday night matchup against their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins. It was later discovered he suffered two transverse process fractures in his back during that game.

Although Romo made a valiant attempt to return and win the contest in overtime, he was ultimately unable to do so and missed the following game against the Arizona Cardinals. Not only did he deal with back issues, but Romo also suffered from a rib injury through part of the season.

In fact, there were several times last year when Romo looked stiff and was unable rely upon his patented mobility within the pocket. It simply appeared the 34-year old quarterback played through a lot of pain for most of the season.

Still, Cowboys’ owner and general manager Jerry Jones believes his quarterback will play out his contract.

"“I think it’s realistic for him to play five more years,” Jones told ESPNDallas.com last November. “Obviously he’s playing a very physical game. I feel that as he moves along in his career, he will make any adjustments he has to make to help protect himself. If he needs to get it out quicker, if he needs to do some things that he might have done years ago, I think he’ll adjust to that. The good ones have done that as they’ve moved along in their career.”"

But what do you think? Will Tony Romo play out his current contract with the Dallas Cowboys? Will his back issues allow him to play until 2020?

Submit your answer in the poll below and feel free to explain your choice in our comment section.

Next: 5 Rookies You Should Pray Fall To The Cowboys

The Landry Hat is committed to giving a fan’s take on all things Dallas Cowboys. And we believe it’s our staff’s unique and varied perspectives that makes us different than any other sports site on the internet. With that being said, getting our readers’ perspective on various Cowboys-related topics is essential for us to be successful.

Therefore, we’ll often use poll questions to gauge how our readers feel about a specific topic. Their answers not only influence our articles, but they also keep us in touch with what our fans actually think and feel about their beloved team. So please considering giving your answer in the above poll and participate in the conversation below in our comment section. Thanks!

Home/Cowboys News