Cowboys Stars Issue Heartfelt Goodbyes To Future Hall of Famer

 

Dallas Cowboys star guard Zack Martin won’t be hitting free agency—he’s stepping away from the game entirely. The nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time first-team All-Pro, widely regarded as one of the greatest interior offensive linemen of his era, has officially informed the Cowboys of his decision to retire. In five years, he may very well find himself enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Until recently, even Martin himself was unsure of his future, despite speculation that he might explore free agency with teams like the Chiefs or Bengals. Speaking at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, he acknowledged that he was weighing his options.

“First off, I want to try to get healthy,” Martin said, explaining that he planned to take the next month or so to evaluate his situation. “Me and my wife have been talking about it, but right now I’m focused on getting healthy and seeing how I feel with this ankle repaired and whether or not I’ll give it a go again.”

As for his potential paths? Martin laid them out simply: “Whether that’s playing football in Dallas, playing football somewhere else, retiring—whatever that may be. We’re just trying to figure that out.”

Now, it’s official—he won’t be playing elsewhere, which comes as a relief to Cowboys fans. His teammates, meanwhile, have responded with heartfelt tributes.

Micah Parsons: “The realest! Thank you for everything, boss!”
CeeDee Lamb: “The freakin’ GOAT. I’m grateful to have played with you.”
Gerald McCoy: “Zack Martin is the best of my generation, one of the greatest of all time, and the best I ever faced!! Enjoy retirement and Canton in a few short years, my brotha!!”

As a former first-round pick from Notre Dame, Martin has cemented his legacy as a Cowboys legend, both on the field and in the locker room. His presence will be deeply missed, but his impact on the franchise will last forever.