Leighton Vander Esch is retiring from the
NFL after sustaining a neck injury, bringing an end to his
Football career at the age of 28. The starting linebacker spent six seasons with the franchise in the first round of the 2018 , being selected 19th overall. Vander Esch announced his decision to retire on
Instagram in an emotional statement posted to his fans. "Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude," Vander Esch wrote. "Playing for the Jones Family, Coach (Jason) Garrett, (Mike) McCarthy, (Rod) Marinelli, (Kris) Richard, DQ (Dan Quinn), (Ben) Bloom, George (Edwards), AD, and Scotty (McCurley) have been the best days of my life. "My dream of playing for the Dallas Cowboys came to reality on April 26, 2018. That night will forever be a night I'll never forget. During my six years as a Cowboys player, I've always pursued success and winning football games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion, and perseverance. It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates, and the people of Dallas." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones then posted a statement of his own, thanking Vander Esch for his incredible service and admitting he will be "sorely missed" by everyone in the organization. "Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel," Jones said in a statement on Monday. "His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. "His grit, toughness, motivation, determination, and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player. He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. "Leighton's playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we're proud that he wore the star on his helmet, we thank him and we wish all the best to Leighton, his wife, Madalynn, and their young daughter." Some for ending Vander Esch's career after a hit during their 42-10 loss last season caused him to miss the remainder of the year. But Vander Esch had been dealing with neck issues since his sophomore year at college. His neck caused him issues again in 2019, as he missed weeks 12–16 with a nerve issue in his neck before deciding to have surgery in an attempt to resolve the complications for good. Vander Esch then broke his collarbone in 2020, and in 2021 the Cowboys declined the fifth-year option of his contract due to fitness concerns. The Cowboys did re-sign Vander Esch on a one-year contract in 2022 before handing him a fresh two-year deal last season. However, after six seasons in the NFL dealing with pain and repeated injuries, Vander Esch has decided to call time following medical advice.