Total Pro Sports
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro guard Zack Martin is hanging up the cleats after an illustrious 11-year career in the NFL.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Zack Martin told the Cowboys that he’s retiring from football ahead of the new league year. The 34-year-old was a pending free agent.
And so ends the career of one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. Martin was drafted 16th overall by the Cowboys in 2014 and put together an astonishing career: Nine Pro Bowl selections, seven First-team All-Pro nods and two spots on the second team.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones infamously tried to draft Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel with the No. 16 pick. But Stephen Jones convinced his father against the bold idea, and the Cowboys were rewarded with a future Hall of Famer for the next 11 seasons.
Seven-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin has informed the #Cowboys that he plans to retire, sources tell The Insiders.
One of the greatest linemen of his era and a probable Pro Football Hall of Famer, Martin walks away at age 34. pic.twitter.com/M4RqV7VoB8
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 20, 2025
Zack Martin was instrumental in helping Dak Prescott emerge as the new franchise quarterback as injuries derailed the end of Tony Romo’s career. Dallas players won three rushing titles with Martin leading the way — DeMarco Murray in 2014 and Ezekiel Elliott in 2016 and 2018.
Incredibly, Martin also retires with more Pro Bowl selections than holding penalties, as noted by Bleacher Report’s X/Twitter account:
Zack Martin with one of the most ridiculous stats you’ll ever see 🤯 pic.twitter.com/c5t4rwUTPz
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 20, 2025
We’ll see you in Canton, Zack.
Offensive linemen never get enough attention or love, but Martin will undoubtedly enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
To play at a superstar-like level for 11 seasons is ridiculous enough, especially at a physically demanding position like guard. Martin made a compelling case as the greatest guard in NFL history, and you’ll see him get the call to the Hall in his first year of eligibility in 2030.
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