Leighton Vander Esch's time in Dallas is over.
The Dallas Cowboys released the linebacker after six seasons after his physical designation failed due to a neck injury.
The team has been preparing for months to be without Vander Esch in 2024, given his medical situation. Newly signed linebacker Eric Kendricks is scheduled to start next season.
In 2018, the Cowboys drafted Vander Esch in the first round out of Boise State. As a rookie, he recorded 140 tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defended, earning him Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades.
Although he got off to a bright start, a bulging disc ended his second season and he had to undergo fusion surgery in early 2020. He recovered quickly and returned to the starting lineup for all 17 games in 2020, playing better football than when he left. However, it was understood at the time that if another neck surgery were to be performed, the second surgery would almost force Vander Esch to retire.
Vander Esch was born with cervical spinal stenosis, which makes him susceptible to this problem.
This condition is characterized by narrowing of the spinal column in the neck. One result is increased nerve sensitivity to the bulging or herniated disc, which may require surgery if more conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
With the risk that he was one play away from retirement increasing, the free agent market in 2022 and 2023 was depressed, and he returned to the Cowboys each time. The final play of concern occurred when Vander Esch stumbled slightly just before 49ers left tackle Trent Williams engaged Vander Esch on a run block. As Williams pushed in from behind, Vander Esch fell headfirst into hybrid defensive end Micah Parsons.
Nose tackle Jonathan Hankins checked on Vander Esch first.
Other concerned teammates followed suit.
Late in the season, an emotional Vander Esch addressed his team in a meeting. One attendee said the seriousness of his condition was felt in the room, but it was also clear that Vander Esch had no intention of leaving the team. He remained involved, coaching young players and appearing in games both home and away. Before the playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 14, he was on the field before the game talking to the linebackers.
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