The NFL is a brutal game as it can turn in an instant. The career of a player can end in a single snap and a former Dallas Cowboys player has announced his retirement from the league. On Monday afternoon, outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced his retirement from the National Football League.
He had a statement announcing this decision.
“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.”
The Dallas Cowboys officially made a roster move to release Leighton Vander Esch with a failed physical designation. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones also issued a statement on the retirement of Vander Esch.
“Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-an game at the major collegiate level and excell. 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.”
Leighton Vander Esch bursted onto the scene in his rookie season after being selected with the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He made the second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl. However, a neck injury suffered last season cut his career short. Vander Esch played 71 games (65 starts) and recorded 469 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), three forced fumbles and three interceptions.
What will the Dallas Cowboys do to replace Lander Vander Esch?
The Dallas Cowboys may have already made the corresponding move to replace Leighton Vander Esch’s production. The only free agent signing that the team has made thus far has been getting linebacker Eric Kendricks from the Los Angeles Chargers.
While they can still decide to sign someone else or draft a linebacker, this seems to be the answer to fill in the spot. It will be interesting to see what the Cowboys do at the draft to improve this roster.
For more of my content, make sure to follow me on Twitter @TalkVinTalk. I am also part of Total Apex Sports, where we are doing daily content on YouTube, discussing fantasy and betting that you can watch by clicking here.