Cowboys Leighton Vander Esch announces retirement
A week after being released by the Cowboys in an attempt to save Cap. Leighton Vander Esch has made the decision many of us saw coming and has announced his retirement from the NFL. The former first-round pick out of Bosie St leaves behind a seven-year career that included a Pro Bowl and All-Pro second-team inclusion during his rookie season.
Sadly, though, a series of neck/back injuries derailed Vander Esch’s career and never allowed him to fully return to his rookie form—a form that had many thinking he could be the game’s next-best linebacker.
He had a motor that ran higher than anyone else on the field at any given time, allowing him to emerge as one of the game’s premier tacklers. Also showing an ability to drop back in coverage and provide support in the passing game.
He looked like a star in the making but just couldn’t stay healthy after that rookie year. But more concerning was the fact that these injuries were dealing with the neck/back.
Then, in 2023, it looked like he was starting to return to that elite form again—until Trent Williams threw a questionable block that likely served as the final straw for Vander Esch in his decision to retire.
I very much doubt Williams intended to end Vander Eschs’s career on this play. But it doesn’t look the greatest, especially given Leightons’ prior history with neck injuries.
Despite all this, Vander Esch doesn’t hold any ill will towards anyone. Instead, he chooses to appreciate the time he got to spend in the NFL.
“I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer, 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.”
Via Leighton Vander Esch
So, it’s nice to see him still having a positive outlook on what is overall an unfortunate situation. Jerry Jones also released a statement paying tribute to Leighton Vander Esch.
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 of Vander Esch. “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.”
Via CBS Sports
The Cowboys themselves also put out a video in tribute to Vander Eschs’s time with the team.
It always sucks to see a guy have his career derailed early by injuries. To just see a guy’s body give up on him is truly sad to see, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. He left it all on the field every time he played and clearly had an adept football mind.
Leading me to believe his involvement in the world of football isn’t done yet. It won’t ever be as a player again, but I could easily see him being a coach of some sort and at any level. I mean if anyone brings him in as a linebacker coach, I think you’re getting one of the best in the business.
Retirements like this always suck to see. But it reminds us to cherish the moments we do have with our favorite players. We often take for granted how dangerous this game truly is. Moments like this thought to do a good job of reminding us.
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