Three days after being released by the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch says he's medically retiring from the NFL after a string of neck…
Vander Esch was the team's top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and started in 65 of the 71 games he played in over a six-year careerafter missing 12 games with a neck injury in 2023. The injury was the fourth since 2019 involving the 28-year-old's neck and was considered career-threatening.
In part because of the neck issues, Dallas declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract but brought him back in 2022 on a one-year deal.said in a statement Vander Esch's passion and love for the game"was contagious" and that he was a difference-maker from the moment he joined the team. “Leighton is exactly the kind of player and person a coach feels very fortunate to have on their team. His leadership, character, perseverance, dedication and will to win were all at the highest level, not to mention his ability to play the game,” said Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy. “Leighton impacted our team beyond defense. He set a tone that served as an example for all of our players about how we want to play.
No one has felt the daily grind more than my loving and extremely supportive wife, Madalynn. Six years ago, we were just two young individuals taking on a whole new world here in Dallas. We had so much to learn in such little time, and we took it day by day, soaking up every moment together. She has been with me throughout my entire career and was completely dedicated to helping me become my absolute best, on and off the field.
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