Zack Martin on ‘Stepping Into the Ring’ Vs. Cowboys’ Jerry Jones

Zack Martin reveals the Jerry Jones movement that ends his contract holdout threat as the All-Pro reports to training camp in Oxnard with a new contract.

The Dallas Cowboys are whole again, with Zack Martin ending his holdout and reporting to training camp with a new contract while confirming CowboysSI.com’s report that team owner Jerry Jones “rolled up his sleeves” and got personally involved to seal the deal. 

"He was great," Martin told ESPN.  "We were able to have that one-on-one time, and I think that helped, just being able to talk face-to-face. I think ultimately that's what made me feel more comfortable and how he felt more comfortable and then we started talking about this and numbers and where we eventually headed."

Martin signed a deal that bumps his salary in the next two years from about $14 million APY to $18 million in each year. We’re told the new deal is also guaranteed for the next two seasons.

The new deal moves Martin - the highest-paid guard in NFL history based on his previous contract at the time - up to being the third-highest paid guard behind Atlanta's Chris Lindstrom and Indianapolis' Quenton Nelson, who each make about $20 million APY.

Martin, who was fined $50,000 per day for his absence (to the tune of $1 million total) explained his negotiating position.

"I just think I've been here a long time. I've accomplished some great things but just felt like where I was in the market that it's something that had been deserved and felt strongly about it," said Martin. “I'm super grateful to the Joneses.”

What was it like sitting across the negotiating table from Jerry, “sleeves rolled up” and all?

"Someone talked to me and was like, 'When you step in the ring, you've got to be ready for whatever,'" Martin said to ESPN. "I didn't ever take it personal.”

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