Dallas Cowboys’ Zack Martin Expected to Retire After Stellar Career

FRISCO, Texas – Zack Martin, the perennial All-Pro right guard for the Dallas Cowboys, is expected to announce his retirement from the NFL this offseason, ending an illustrious 11-year career that has made him one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Martin, a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has consistently established himself as one of the best players in his position, having earned nine Pro Bowl selections and nine All-Pro nods throughout his career.

As the Cowboys gear up for the offseason, Martin has pledged to inform the team of his decision before the start of free agency. This announcement marks the conclusion of a prolific tenure that began with his selection as the 16th overall pick, a move lauded by his former head coach, Jason Garrett. “Zack was one of those guys who checked every box so emphatically,” Garrett said. “He was an unbelievable player and everything you want in a player.”

During his time with the Cowboys, Martin logged an impressive 152 consecutive starts, becoming a cornerstone of the offensive line. However, injuries have plagued him in recent years, culminating in a season-ending surgery for a degenerative ankle condition. Despite these challenges, his commitment to the team and his performance on the field have remained exemplary.

“The lasting memory I will always have of Zack Martin is his love for the game,” Garrett recalled. “Just his look when he came running off the field, and the smile he has on his face, was just remarkable.” This sentiment echoes throughout the Cowboys organization, with many eager to honor Martin’s contributions during a ceremonial event scheduled within the next two weeks.

With Martin’s anticipated retirement, the Cowboys face the daunting task of replacing one of their most pivotal players. Brock Hoffman, who filled in for Martin during his injury-laden stint, is currently the frontrunner to step into his role. However, the team might explore new talent through the upcoming draft to fortify the offensive line.

“Replacing Martin will be impossible, but we need to find the next piece,” said a Cowboys executive familiar with the team’s strategy. “The offensive line is crucial to our success, and we know we have to keep it competitive.”

The Cowboys are not only contending with on-field changes but also the financial ramifications of Martin’s salary cap implications. The team will officially release Martin at the start of the new league year, utilizing a June 1 cut designation that will allow them to spread out approximately $26 million in dead money over the next two seasons. While this decision presents challenges, the franchise views his long-term impact as invaluable.

“Money spent on keeping Martin around was money well spent,” said another source involved in the Cowboys’ financial planning. “His contributions transcended statistics; he set a standard for those around him.”

As the Cowboys navigate this transition, they are looking to harness a new era while maintaining the legacy that Martin leaves behind. Loyal fans anticipate what the future holds for the franchise with a reinforced emphasis on building a championship-caliber team without one of its most respected leaders.

“What we have to focus on now is growth and continuity,” an insider mentioned. “Zack’s leadership will be sorely missed, but we know we have to build on what he established here in Dallas.”