Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch Announces Retirement

The Dallas veteran suffered a severe neck injury in October against the 49ers.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced he’s retiring from football Monday, three days after the team released him due to a failed physical designation. 

“I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands,” Vander Esch wrote on Instagram. “I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. 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 blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.”

Vander Esch suffered a neck injury on Oct. 8, 2023, in a game against the San Francisco 49ers that ended his season. The neck injury ultimately would be career ending. 

Over his six seasons in the NFL, the Boise State product tallied a total of 469 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles in 71 games. His best season came in 2018 when he was named second-team All-Pro as a rookie while notching 140 combined tackles in 16 games.