The Dallas Cowboys have announced that All-Pro guard Zack Martin is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons with the team. Martin, 34, informed owner and general manager Jerry Jones of his decision on Thursday, according to sources. The news comes as a surprise to many, as Martin had previously stated that he wanted to get healthy before deciding on his future. However, after suffering an ankle injury that required surgery in 2024, Martin's decision to retire was likely influenced by his inability to sustain his elite level of play.
Martin's impressive career with the Cowboys includes nine Pro Bowl selections, seven first-team All-Pro nods, and two second-team All-Pro honors. He started 162 games for the team, missing more than one game in a season only twice, and was named to the NFL's All-Decade team from 2010 to 2020. Martin's seven first-team All-Pro selections are tied for the most in team history with Hall of Famers Bob Lilly and Randy White. He is also tied with Hall of Famers Randall McDaniel and John Hannah for the most first-team All-Pro selections among guards in NFL history. Martin's dedication to the sport and his leadership on and off the field will be deeply missed by the Cowboys organization.
The Cowboys will now need to fill the void left by Martin's retirement, and they may look to the draft or free agency to find a suitable replacement. Brock Hoffman, who filled in for Martin last season, may be a contender for the starting spot. However, the team may also consider other options, such as signing a veteran guard or drafting a rookie. The loss of Martin will not only affect the team's on-field performance but also its chemistry, as he was a respected leader and a key figure in the locker room. The team's schedule for the upcoming season will be crucial in determining how they will adapt to Martin's absence.
Some of Martin's notable career statistics include:
- 9 Pro Bowl selections
- 7 first-team All-Pro nods
- 2 second-team All-Pro honors
- 162 games started
- Only 7 accepted holding penalties in his career
Martin's retirement is a significant loss for the Cowboys, but his legacy will live on as one of the greatest guards in team history. He will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in five years and is likely to be a first-ballot selection.
The NFL community has reacted to Martin's retirement with an outpouring of respect and admiration for his career. Many of his former teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and his commitment to the sport. As Martin moves on to the next chapter of his life, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest guards in Cowboys history. The team's tournament schedule for the upcoming season will be an important factor in determining how they will perform without Martin.
