Prioritizing his health, Leighton Vander Esch has decided to retire from professional football. The former Dallas Cowboys linebacker announced his retirement on Monday after six seasons in the NFL. This announcement comes just days after the Cowboys released Vander Esch on Friday.

By electing to step away from the game at this juncture, Vander Esch is putting his long-term well-being first, choosing to conclude his playing career rather than continuing to subject his body to the rigors of the sport. His decision to retire underscores the physical toll that football can take on players, even at a relatively young age.

“Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement on Monday. “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed.

“Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player. He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. Leighton’s playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet, we thank him and we wish all the best to Leighton, his wife, Madalynn, and their young daughter”

Leighton Vander Esch’s Career

Leighton Vander Esch’s NFL journey began in Dallas when the Cowboys selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 draft, acquiring a physically imposing linebacker who immediately proved his worth by earning a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors in his rookie season. With Jaylon Smith signing an extension prior to the following season, Dallas appeared to have a formidable linebacking tandem for years to come.

However, injuries disrupted their ascent. Vander Esch’s neck first became a concern during his sophomore season at Boise State, prompting him to wear a protective cowboy collar throughout his professional career. Despite this precaution, he experienced a nerve issue in his neck during his second NFL season, necessitating corrective surgery and prematurely ending his campaign. A year later, a broken collarbone limited him to just 10 games. In the 2021 season, while Vander Esch finally enjoyed a healthy campaign, the Cowboys opted to move on from Smith in favor of star rookie Micah Parsons, effectively ending their partnership before they ever had the opportunity to play substantial snaps together.

Vander Esch’s health woes led the Cowboys to decline his fifth-year option, and after signing a one-year deal to return in 2022, another injury – this time, a neck stinger – sidelined him for four games. Yet another neck issue would cost him all but five contests in the 2023 season.

“I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands,” Vander Esch wrote in a letter included in the Cowboys’ press release announcing his retirement “I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer”

With the 2024 league year underway, Vander Esch has decided that now is the time to stop battling the injury bug and transition to the next chapter of his life, opting to retire from professional football.

He went on to say “I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played. This year, things may look a little different for me, but the sole focus is being a great husband and father for my loving family.”

Vander Esch retires with 71 regular-season games played, 469 tackles (13 for loss), 3.5 sacks, 13 passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

By Vincent Quezada

Stats Credit of the NFL

Photo by Ryan Kang / Getty Images