In Frisco, Texas, the Dallas Cowboys are bidding farewell to one of their all-time greats. Zack Martin, an immensely respected offensive lineman for the team, has made the difficult decision to retire, according to insider sources at ESPN.
At 34, Martin recently sat down with Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones to break the news of his departure. Over his illustrious 11-year career with the Cowboys, Martin has earned the distinction of being a nine-time Pro Bowler. When you look at the Cowboys’ rich history, only a few other legends, including Bob Lilly, Larry Allen, and Mel Renfro, have received more Pro Bowl nods. In terms of first-team All-Pro honors, Martin’s seven selections match the likes of Randy White, all underlining his incredible impact on the field.
Martin’s first-team All-Pro achievements also align with those of Hall of Fame guards Randall McDaniel and John Hannah, as noted by ESPN Research. Since Martin’s NFL debut in 2014, only Aaron Donald, a retired Rams’ defensive tackle, has tallied more first-team All-Pro selections.
Remarkably efficient, Martin’s career saw only seven accepted holding penalties, a testament to his disciplined play. Drafted in the first round back in 2014, he managed to start in 162 games, missing significant time only twice due to injuries in 2020 and 2024. Notably, he was a part of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for 2010 to 2020.
Last year was particularly challenging as Martin played just 10 games due to an ankle injury that ultimately needed surgery. Even so, he fought through numerous injuries over the past two seasons until he realized it was time to step down.
Throughout last summer and at the end of the season, Martin brushed aside any speculation about his future, expressing a need to focus on his health before making a final decision. During Super Bowl LIX events, he reiterated his intent to ensure his recovery was the priority.
Just last year, Martin held out during training camp, eventually securing a restructured contract that made him one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL, earning $36 million in guaranteed money over his last two seasons.
Behind the scenes, Martin’s contract was adjusted to offer the Cowboys some breathing room under the salary cap if he chose to retire in 2025. Now, with his departure, the Cowboys will feel his absence both on and off the field, impacting their salary cap across 2025 and 2026.
Brock Hoffman did a commendable job stepping in for Martin last season, but the Cowboys might not rule out exploring the draft or free agency to find a long-term solution for his position. Martin’s leadership was invaluable, serving as a critical voice on the players’ council for coaches like Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy. Though his style was more about leading by example, his unwavering commitment was an inspiration to teammates.
The next chapter for Martin might just lead him to Canton, as he looks forward to potential Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, albeit after a customary five-year wait.
