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Zack Martin Announces Retirement

Trey Daubert / NFL / February 21, 2025

Zack Martin Announces Retirement

Once upon a time, fans in Dallas were angry the Cowboys passed on Johnny Manziel. They took Zack Martin instead. Say whatever you want about Jerry and Stephen Jones. They’re not total idiots all the time. The decision to take Martin was the right one and after a successful 11-year career, he’s finally hanging up the cleats.

Tom Pelisserro of NFL Network was the first to report the news:

Seven-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin has informed the #Cowboys that he plans to retire, sources tell The Insiders.

One of the greatest linemen of his era and a probable Pro Football Hall of Famer, Martin walks away at age 34. pic.twitter.com/M4RqV7VoB8
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 20, 2025

Martin, 34, was the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. For a long time, he was part of a dominant offensive line in Dallas that included Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick. Martin was a huge reason why Ezekiel Elliott and the young Dak Prescott were successful.

He made the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team after logging 152 starts for the franchise. This news of retirement isn’t super surprising after Martin ended the season on the shelf with a season-ending ankle injury. Dallas also had a tough contract call to make here. Luckily, Martin was ready to call it quits and should be honored like the legend he is.

Zack Martin Joins The 99 Club On Madden 24

The bad news for Dallas is they really have no answer to replace him right now. Brock Hoffman and TJ Bass are the back ups behind him and are players 99% of fans have never heard of before. It’s not a shot. It’s just a reality. Dallas will likely need to sign or draft his replacement.

Either way, cheers to the former Notre Dame product for a hell of a career. A career that very might induct him into the Hall of Fame. There is no question that Martin was one of the best interior lineman of this generation.

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