The Dallas Cowboys transition into a new era under freshman coach Brian Schottenheimer without one of the long-standing offensive lynchpin.
Offensive security guard Zach Martin told the team he plans to retire, according to multiple reports. The NFL media first reported the news.
Martin, 34, has been a seven-time All-Pro selection and nine-time Pro Bowl pick, establishing himself as one of the most dominant and reliable blockers in the game. On a first round pick from Notre Dame in 2014, he teamed up with left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick to present the Cowboys one of the league’s most frightening fronts for many years.
However, after Smith signed the New York Jets’ final offseason and Frederick retired in 2020, Martin stayed in the franchise, the last of the three to spend an entire 11-year career.
His retirement comes after the 2024 season, which was shortened 10 games after he underwent surgery for an ankle problem that was plagued by him.
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Just two weeks ago, Martin, who was the NFL all-decade team choice in the 2010s, was still thinking about whether to continue his career.
“First of all, I want to try and be healthy. For six weeks here, my wife and I have been talking about it,” Martin told the Cowboys’ official website about his decision timeline. “Now I am focused on getting healthy and seeing how I feel at this ankle.
The only two seasons he was not selected for the Pro Bowl was last year in 2020, limited to 10 games due to a concussion and a calf injury.
Brock Hoffman took over for Martin this season as right guard.