Former Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch retires from NFL after six seasons

Accidents, nonetheless, interrupted their ascension. Vander Esch’s neck first gave him trouble all through his sophomore season at Boise State, prompting him to spend the rest of his occupation carrying a cowboy collar. That defending measure wouldn’t cease him from experiencing a nerve concern in his neck in his second NFL season, forcing him to bear corrective surgical process and ending his advertising marketing campaign prematurely. A 12 months later, a broken collarbone restricted him to 10 video video games. And throughout the 2021 season, with Vander Esch lastly having enjoyable with a healthful season, the Cowboys decided to maneuver on from Smith in favor of star rookie Micah Parsons, ending their partnership sooner than they’ve been ever able to play substantial snaps collectively.

Vander Esch’s effectively being troubles led the Cowboys to say no his fifth-year alternative, and after signing a one-year deal to return in 2022, one different harm — this time, a neck stinger — worth him 4 video video games. A 12 months later, but yet another neck concern would worth him all nonetheless 5 contests throughout the 2023 season.

With the 2024 league 12 months underway, Vander Esch has decided now’s the time to stop stopping the harm bug and switch onto the following chapter of his life.

“I discover that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering customary of excellence that expert soccer requires,” Vander Esch wrote in a letter included throughout the Cowboys’ press launch asserting his retirement. “I say this with a heavy coronary coronary heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. I actually like the game of soccer so much, and my physique won’t cooperate any longer.

“I cherished every second of my NFL occupation, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I’ve carried out. This 12 months, points may look just a bit fully totally different for me, nonetheless the only focus is being a terrific husband and father for my loving family.