Dallas Cowboys linebacker and six-year NFL veteran Leighton Vander Esch is set to retire from the football, he announced on Monday.
“I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer. 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 said in a statement released by the Cowboys.
"Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel,” said Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player. He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. Leighton’s playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet, we thank him and we wish all the best to Leighton, his wife, Madalynn, and their young daughter.”
Vander Esch, who was released with a "failed physical designation," last week, missed the final 12 games of the season with a neck injury.
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News confirmed that Vander Esch was retiring due to 'recurring neck issues.'
The 28-year-old has dealt with neck issues since his time at Boise State, and had neck surgery in Dec. 2019 after being diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis.
The injury limited him to just nine games during the 2019 season. He missed three games in 2022 due to a neck stinger, which was reportedly unrelated to his previous injury.
Vander Esch, who signed a two-year deal, $11 million deal with Dallas in the offseason, was ranked second on the team with 20 total tackles when he was injured.
He now ends his career with 469 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and five QB hits.
His rookie season will ultimately stand out as his best, earning a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nod for his 140 tackles and two interceptions.