When Troy Aikman was 34, he retired from football after the Dallas Cowboys released him. Aikman then joined Fox as an analyst.
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During Aikman's first season as a broadcaster, the 36-year-old received a call during the middle of a broadcast from Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid.
Troy Aikman reportedly considered the unthinkable, almost left retirement to join a Cowboy rival
Donovan McNabb had just broken his leg, and Reid wanted Aikman to come out of retirement and play for the Eagles. Aikman told the Dallas Morning News he actually considered it for a night.
"So I went outside," Aikman said. "I had no cell service. I had to get out on the concourse there at Jack Murphy Stadium and I got him on the phone. He said, 'Hey, did you hear what happened.' I said, 'Yeah, we did a game break.' He said, 'Well, I want to talk to you about coming to Philadelphia.' I said, 'Andy, we're in the middle of a broadcast. It's halftime right now.' He said, 'I know, I'm watching the game.' So I said, 'OK, [I'll] call you after the game.'"
Aikman eventually declined, and the Eagles eventually made the NFC title game with A.J. Feely at QB. Aikman had numerous concussions throughout his career, and he probably made the right decision to remain retired.
Tony Romo is 36 now, and he recently retired to join CBS as the lead analyst for its football broadcasts. He had interest from the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans, but he ultimately decided the offer from CBS was too good to pass up.
If a Super Bowl contender calls him next season with an offer to play, will Romo make the same decision as Aikman? Romo will probably hear from a team at some point in the future, and if it's the right team, he might decide to make a comeback.
Or, Romo could enjoy life from the booth, and his touchdown pass against the Eagles last season could be the last we ever see him on the field. Either way, it would be surprising if someone didn't reach out to him next season at some point.
(h/t Bleacher Report)
