Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced Monday that he has retired from the NFL after six seasons.
Vander Esch, who suffered a season-ending neck injury in October 2023, was released by the Cowboys on Friday after failing a physical. On Monday, the former Pro Bowler decided to call it a career.
“I love the game of football so much that my body no longer reacts,” Vander Esch said in a statement. “I've cherished every moment of my NFL career, and I've been so happy to have played as many games as I've played.”
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Vander Esch, 28, was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The former Boise State standout was selected to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season and also earned second-team All-Pro honors with 140 tackles and two interceptions.
But the Idaho native battled a neck injury throughout his playing career, starting as a sophomore at Boise State, and would end up donning the Cowboy colors for the rest of his career.
Vander Esch played in only nine of 16 games for the Cowboys during his second NFL season due to season-ending neck surgery, and only 10 games the following season due to a broken collarbone. He also missed four games in the 2022 season due to a neck injury, and played in just five games in the 2023 NFL season due to injury.
Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones released a statement Monday acknowledging Vander Esch's six-year career with Dallas.
“His passion and love for the game was contagious and he was a difference maker from the moment he arrived. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed,” Jones said. Ta. “Leighton also embodied strong character and personal qualities that made him more than just a skilled player. He was a leader and a team leader who influenced those around him in the best possible way. It was mate.
“Leighton's playing career may be over, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys, we are proud that he wore the star on his helmet. My thoughts and prayers go out to him, and I wish Leighton, his wife Madalyn, and their young daughter all the best.”
Vander Esch appeared in 71 games, including 65 starts, and finished his NFL career with 469 tackles, 13 pass deflections, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown.
