FRISCO, Texas — Leighton Vander Esch retired Monday after six NFL seasons, with the linebacker leaving after missing 12 games with the Dallas Cowboys last year due to a series of neck injuries.
The announcement of the 28-year-old former first-round draft pick comes three days after the Cowboys released Vander Esch, who failed to qualify. His neck injury last season was his fourth since 2019 and was considered career-threatening.
“I recognize that I can no longer live up to the unwavering standards of excellence that professional football demands. It is with a heavy heart that I say this, I am retiring from the NFL for medical reasons,” Vander said. Esch said in a statement. “I love the game of football so much that my body can't function anymore. I've cherished every moment of my NFL career and as long as I've been playing, being able to play this game is I was very happy.”
Vander Esch, the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, started 65 of the 71 games he played in Dallas. He recorded 557 total tackles. He set a club rookie record with 176 tackles and was selected to the Pro Bowl in his first season.
“I'm proud that he wore the star on his helmet,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said.
After suffering his first neck injury in 2019, Vander Esch was diagnosed with a narrow spinal column and underwent fusion surgery. His most recent injury occurred in Week 5 of last season against San Francisco when he was pushed from behind and hit his neck against the right leg of his teammate Micah Parsons.
Vander Esch suffered from neck issues at Boise State before being drafted by the Cowboys.
Due to neck issues, Dallas rejected the five-year option on his rookie contract, but brought him back in 2022 on a one-year deal. Vander Esch had one year left on his two-year contract.
“It's not every day you come across a player like Leighton, someone who grew up playing 8-man football, played 11-man at the collegiate level for the first time, and excelled,” Jones said. “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.”
