What looked like it was going to be a promising and long career for Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, has come to a somber end. On Monday, Vander Esch announced that he will be retiring from the NFL after six seasons.
Leighton Vander Esch Retires From NFL
The Cowboys selected Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, a draft that took place at AT&T Stadium.
Fast forward six years later, and the productive linebacker has decided to medically retire from the game of football due to a neck injury that has plagued him throughout his career. The decision comes following LVE’s 2023 season being cut short due to the same injury that he’s been dealing with for most of his professional career.
Vander Esch met with the local media on Monday afternoon and got a chance to reflect on his career and the decision to walk away at the age of 28.
“I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands. I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. 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. This year, things may look a little different for me, but the sole focus is being a great husband and father for my loving family.”
Vander Esch thanked many people that he crossed paths with during his career, from teammates, to coaches, and influences, but no words were more impactful than the words he shared about the Cowboys’ fan base.
Vander Esch spoke on what it felt like to be a Cowboy during his career, and how the community embraced him during his time there.
“The Dallas community and the devoted fans of the Cowboys are simply amazing. Six years ago, upon arriving in Dallas, I received the warmest welcome possible, and Dallas has been my home ever since. The dedication and passion the fans display has been inspiring.
“During a Sunday afternoon in the fall, there is no doubt the collective roar of our enthusiastic fans provides strength for the players. Countless times I was approached by fans and loyal season ticket holders who gave me nothing but words of encouragement and support. I cannot thank you enough.”
Vander Esch finished his career with 557 tackles in 71 games and one Pro Bowl that came during his rookie season before the neck injury cut his career short.
The Cowboys struggled to find a replacement for LVE when he wasn’t on the field in 2023, and now with him turning the page to a new chapter in his life, they will need to continue to try and fill the hole he left going forward.
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