“Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. To Coach Garrett, McCarthy, Marinelli, Richard, DQ, Bloom, George, AD and Scotty, playing for the Jones family was the best.” “The best player of my life. My dream of playing for the Dallas Cowboys became a reality on April 26, 2018. That night will forever be remembered by me. It's going to be a night. During my six years as a Cowboys player, I have always pursued success. Winning football games while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion, and perseverance. I am honored to represent my family, my teammates, and the people of Dallas.
“I recognize that I can no longer live up to the unwavering standards of excellence required of professional football. I say this with a heavy heart. I am retiring from the NFL for medical reasons. I love the game of football so much, but my body says, “It's not going to cooperate anymore.'' I've cherished every moment of my NFL career and I've been so happy to have continued to play. Things may look a little different for me this year, but my focus is on being a great husband and father to my loving family.
“As I look back on my six years in the NFL and everything it took to get to where I am today, I am humbled and reminded of the many people I have to thank from the bottom of my heart.
“No one feels the daily grind more than my loving and extremely supportive wife, Madalyn.Six years ago, we were just two young people venturing into a whole new world here in Dallas. There was so much to learn in such a short amount of time. “We spent each day together and enjoyed every moment together. She has been with me throughout my entire career. , you have dedicated yourself to helping me be the absolute best on and off the field.In fact, I know that I could not have done it.'' “Madalyn, you are our little You made being a mother to a girl so easy. For you, I am forever grateful and blessed. If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that the players' wives deserve plenty of credit. I haven't gotten it.
”My mother and father gave me the perfect combination of love and discipline, and taught me what hard work and persistence really mean. From a young age, they always told me that if you do something, do it with all your might. Every time I put on the uniform, I just hope that I don't betray that philosophy, which I have always strived to live up to.
“My three sisters have all helped me a lot in their own ways. They have all been very influential in all aspects of my life and having them as siblings has helped me become the person I am today. It helped change. Growing up and going to all your games, you three set the foundation for how to compete. You're all fierce in your own way, and that It brought a lot of passion and emotion that I have played with and to this day some of my favorite memories are watching you guys playing basketball, volleyball and running track.
“I want to thank Boise State for taking a kid from Riggins, Idaho, on a walkover and developing him into a first-round pick. Coach Harsin, I'm grateful for the opportunity he gave me.” “Play at your dream university. When I was a kid growing up going to Boise State games, it was always a dream of mine to wear that blue and orange uniform. Coach Avalos, I want you to I am forever indebted to you and grateful for all the effort you have put into me.'' “You believed in me wholeheartedly and would not settle for anything less than greatness.'' But you are like a father figure in my life, and it brings back countless memories on and off the field.”
“Agent Ron, thank you for always supporting me. You have worked countless times to make sure we are in the best position possible. You have always been my family's hope. Your number one consideration. You handled every aspect of the draft process like an absolute professional. You took care of us like family in Dallas. .Whatever we need, we are always here to help, no matter how busy or tied up you are right now.Thank you for helping us create our dream of playing for Dallas in the NFL has come true.
“Football is truly the ultimate team sport, and being a part of the NFL organization makes that even more clear. So many people dedicate their time to helping the players, and former and current Dallas “I want to thank everyone in the Cowboys organization for everything you've done for me over the past six years. Athletic trainer Jim, Britt, Greg, Hanson, you guys have made it possible for me to play every week. The guys in the equipment room, Mike, Bucky, Dylan, and Blake, always went out of their way to make sure I had the right gear to perform to our best every day. Thank you so much. Player security, Cable and Brian, you two are going above and beyond to ensure we all are indebted to you. Thank you! Our strength staff, Coach H, Kendall, and Ced. The three of you have truly gone above and beyond for me over the past few years. I love you like brothers. Coach Marcus, we miss you every day. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you when I walk into the weight room.
“To all my great teammates, former and current, I owe you everything. I look forward to greeting you both formally and privately later, but I love you all. , please know that I respect you, and not having the opportunity to be by your side will be something in the future.'' “It hurt more than anything. We made friendships on the field that we can't break.'' Building bonds of trust is what makes football special and so important to me.When I think back to my NFL career, I remember every game, whether I won or lost, what I was able to do. I will remember the plays and the plays I missed. I will remember you and the time we spent together, our trust and love for each other, and our unwavering drive to help each other succeed. .Sincerely thank.
“The Dallas community and the Cowboys' die-hard fans are truly amazing. When I arrived in Dallas six years ago, I received the warmest welcome possible. Dallas has been my home ever since. “The dedication and passion they show has been an inspiration to me.” “On a Sunday afternoon in the fall, there is no doubt that the collective cheer of enthusiastic fans gives the players strength. I can't thank you enough for the many loyal season ticket holders who have reached out to me and given me nothing but words of encouragement and support.
“Every day I am grateful for all that God has given me: my family, my friends, my teammates, and the fact that I stand on this stage and positively impact people’s lives. I want to thank God for the countless blessings He has bestowed on me. You continue to shower upon my family and me. You have blessed me with a healthy baby girl and a wife who will follow you. I don't think I would have made it this far if I hadn't trusted in your unwavering love and guidance. You have blessed me with the ability to be a Dallas Cowboy. I have been given the privilege of a six-year professional football career and in this next chapter, I will continue to impact people's lives through me and strive to be a light in this world. ”
It's unclear what Vander Esch will do next. Vander Esch is a leader of men who was an integral part of coaching players in the Cowboys' locker room and, like his predecessor, was one of the team's most highly respected leaders on the field. be. and mentor Sean Lee.