Troy Aikman knows a thing or two about back surgeries.
The Hall of Fame quarterback underwent back surgery when he was 26 years old and retired when he was 34 in part because of back issues.
Given his experience, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback isn't ready to join the chorus of voices declaring that Tony Romo will be fine and dandy coming off his second back surgery in a year.
"I came back in a relatively short period of time because of when I had my surgery, so he's at least afforded more time to get ready," Aikman told the team's official website Wednesday. "But having said that, two back surgeries in less than a year at his age, I would be a bit concerned."
Aikman admitted he didn't have details of Romo's condition, but he cautioned being overly optimistic less than four months after the quarterback went under the knife.
"I'm hopeful that he's able to come back -- everybody is," Aikman said. "This team won't be the same if he's not able to. I anticipate that he will come back. But to say that, 'Hey, he's ahead of schedule and everything's going fine,' I'm not sure how you can really measure that here in April."
Aikman's experience is notable given that Romo will turn 34 years old this season. We have no reason to disregard the Cowboys' brass when they say doctors are projecting a full recovery. However, if issues continue to creep up it's fair to start wondering if Romo, like Aikman, will be forced to step aside because of back problems.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys discuss Chris Johnson's impact on the Jets, then break down the state of the AFC North.
