On Monday, it was confirmed that Leighton Vander Esch, a Cowboys linebacker, is retiring at age 28 due to multiple neck injuries. Leighton Vander Esch collided with Micah Parsons as he was being blocked by Trent Williams of the 49ers, which led to his retirement due to the pain from these injuries.
This puts an end to Vander Esch's once promising career, starting as a rookie Pro Bowler and earning second-team All-Pro honors. Vander Esch, originally the Cowboys’ first-round pick, No. 19 overall, out of Boise State, recorded 140 tackles with two interceptions and seven passes defensed in his first NFL season back in 2018. But soon after, Vander Esch began experiencing neck problems and was diagnosed with a narrow spinal column. He had spinal fusion surgery in 2019 which, according to the
Dallas Morning News report , was expected to lead to a full recovery but could potentially impact his career longevity. Five years later, this has proven true. Parsons, the star Cowboys edge rusher, expressed on Twitter/X that the team’s fans will miss what Vander Esch brought to the field.
Parsons warned on Twitter/X that the team will miss what Vander Esch brought to the field. : He wrote, “I don’t think people realize how much yall are going to miss Leighton!! I mean one of the hardest, most devoted, loving, authentic teammate you could ever have!! Cowboys nation should be grateful he represented the star! Ima miss his passion and drive on the field!!”Leighton Vander Esch’s ‘Future Is Very Bright’
It was a day to acknowledge Vander Esch, as his absence last year was a factor in the Cowboys defense's struggles to defend against the run and middle of the field due to a lack of linebacker depth.
I don’t think people realize how much yall are going to miss Leighton!! I mean one of the hardest, most devoted, loving,authentic teammate you could ever have!! Cowboys nation should be grateful he represented the star! Ima miss his passion and drive on the field!! 🐺🐺 thank you https://t.co/c1kW0I76W2
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 18, 2024
Vander Esch was never quite the same after his rookie year, but he remained a smart, tough presence on the field, prompting the Cowboys to officially release him before he announced his retirement.
Vander Esch’s life story gained support from fans, as he only started playing standard football in college after growing up in rural Idaho and playing 8-man football through high school.
In a statement,
owner Jerry Jones wrote
: “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.”Cowboys Added Eric Kendricks at LB
Vander Esch expressed gratitude to the Cowboys organization and stated, “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 Cowboys now face the challenge of replacing Vander Esch on the field, which won’t be an easy task. Last year, they moved up combo safety
Markquese Bell
–all 205 pounds of him–to fill in for Vander Esch next to Damone ClarkThis year, the Cowboys have addressed the linebacker spot with a more reliable answer, adding former Chargers star Eric Kendricks.
while also hoping that 2023 draftee DeMarvion Overshown is back and productive after missing last year with an ACL injury. Cowboys star Micah Parsons warns that the Leighton Vander Esch retirement will have a significant impact on the team in 2024. is back and productive after missing last year with an ACL injury.
