Cowboys star Zack Martin retires after 11 seasons

The Dallas Cowboys have been dealt a major blow as star offensive lineman Zack Martin has announced his retirement after 11 seasons with the team. The 34-year-old informed Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones of his decision on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

Martin has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line, starting 162 games over his illustrious career. He made the Pro Bowl nine times and was named an All-Pro seven times. Remarkably, Martin only had seven accepted holding penalties in his entire career, matching his number of All-Pro selections.

Drafted 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Martin quickly became a linchpin for the Cowboys’ offensive line. He was a key member of one of the best offensive lines in the league, alongside Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith.

Smith, a stalwart left tackle who made eight Pro Bowls, departed for the New York Jets in free agency before last season. Frederick surprisingly retired after his sixth season in 2019 due to health concerns, leaving Martin as the last man standing from the trio of first-round picks in 2011, 2013, and 2014.

The Cowboys will now have to look to rebuild their offensive line without Martin, as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 7-10 season. Brock Hoffman is expected to step into Martin’s role, as the team looks to return to the playoffs.

Martin’s retirement leaves a significant void in the Cowboys’ lineup, as they attempt to navigate a new era without one of their most reliable and consistent players. His legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time great offensive linemen will be remembered for years to come.