FRISCO, TX – The Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch announced on Monday morning that he is retiring from the NFL after being released from the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday afternoon after not passing a physical due to his recurring neck issues that he has been struggling with the last six years.
Vander Esch was a first round draft pick back in 2018 and had a stellar first season adding up 176 tackles and was named a Pro-Bowler. He had issues with his neck entering the NFL and it became an issue where he had to miss time in the 2019 season as well as the 2022 and 2023 season.
Vander Esch, 28, had surgery after missing seven of the final nine games in 2019 and suffered a stinger that caused him to miss the final four regular-season games in 2022 but returned for the playoffs. Last season, he had an awkward collision with Micah Parsonsafter being pushed from behind by left tackle Trent Williams in the second quarter of the Cowboys’ Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
After that hit Vander Esch did not return to the game and his retirement was expected to be announced after the season.
“I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer,” Vander Esch said Monday in a statement. “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.” Vander Esch stated on his Instagram Monday morning.
Vander Esch said, “It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of Dallas.”
Vander Esch spent six years with the Cowboys and in that time was credited with 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback pressures, 13 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries, one of which led to a touchdown last season in a win against the New England Patriots.
The Cowboys prepared for life without Vander Esch by signing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal last week. Kendricks had played for new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for seven seasons.
