The idea that Tony Romo might just decide to throw in the towel rather than face getting traded or released at the end of the season hasn't really occurred to anyone at this point.
Certainly not to Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, his primary target over the years.
"I don't think he's planning on retiring anytime soon," Witten told the Forth Worth Star-Telegram. "I wouldn't bet against him."
The 13-year veteran has just gotten back to full health after missing 12 games last season with a fractured collarbone, and nine so far this season with a fracture in his lower back.
The real issue, however, has been the unexpected rise of rookie Dak Prescott. Prescott stepped in when Romo went down to lead Dallas to eight straight victories, and now the Cowboys are increasingly becoming favorites to make it to the Super Bowl.
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But as Witten puts it, Romo realizes that the good of the team is what's most important.
"The best thing I think for all of us here is not about one individual or anything, and I think that's what he said about Dak - having his back and Dak doing the same. That's when football teams come together. That's the thing I'm most proud of being a teammate and doing it for a long time, to see the friendship and brotherhood that can come be formed through that shared performance that Tony referenced."