After an illustrious 11-year career, Dallas Cowboys’ right guard Zack Martin has announced his retirement from the NFL. Martin, a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line since 2014, leaves behind a legacy marked by consistent excellence and numerous accolades.
Early Career and Immediate Impact
Selected 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Martin was initially intended to bolster the Cowboys’ offensive guard position. He quickly secured the starting right guard spot during organized team activities, replacing Mackenzy Bernadeau. Martin’s rookie season was nothing short of remarkable; he earned a Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro, becoming the first Cowboys rookie to receive such honors since Calvin Hill in 1969. Additionally, he was the first rookie offensive lineman to be named First-Team All-Pro since Dick Huffman in 1947. citeturn0search5
Sustained Excellence
Throughout his career, Martin remained a paragon of reliability and performance. He was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and earned First-Team All-Pro honors seven times. His ability to maintain such a high level of play contributed significantly to the Cowboys’ offensive success over the past decade. In 2018, Martin signed a six-year, $84 million contract extension, underscoring his value to the organization and making him one of the highest-paid guards in the league at that time. citeturn0search5
Challenges and Resilience
Despite his consistent performance, Martin faced challenges, particularly in the latter part of his career. In the 2024 season, he was limited to 10 games due to an ankle injury that eventually required season-ending surgery. This injury, coupled with the natural wear and tear of an 11-season career, influenced his decision to retire. citeturn0search0
Legacy and Future Hall of Fame Induction
Martin’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Cowboys’ offensive line. His exceptional career has positioned him as a strong candidate for future induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As the Cowboys look to the future, they face the significant task of filling the void left by a player of Martin’s caliber.
In reflecting on his career, it’s evident that Zack Martin’s impact on the field and in the locker room will be remembered as a defining element of the Cowboys’ success during his tenure.
For a visual tribute to Martin’s outstanding career, you can watch the following video:
video#68 Zack Martin (G, Cowboys) | Top 100 Players of 2023turn0search9
