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," Vander Esch said, via DallasCowboys.com. "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, 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.
