Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has retired. The 19th overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft leaves the game at the age of 28, due to recurring neck issues that have prevented him from remaining on the field. A promising career cut short, let’s go back to the beginning.

A Strong Rookie Year

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 11: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after a third down stop in the first half of a game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Vander Esch made his mark for Dallas in just his first season. Playing in all 16 games, he recorded 140 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions on his way to the Pro Bowl.

Unfortunately, the neck injuries started to take a toll in 2019.

Vander Esch suffered a neck injury in 2019 and was diagnosed with a condition called cervical spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column in the neck. He underwent surgery in early 2020.

NFL.com on Leighton Vander Esch’s injury history

He only played nine games in 2019 and ten games in 2020. However, he would play in all 17 games in 2021 and recorded 77 total tackles.

But, once again, injuries took effect on Vander Esch as he would miss games once again in 2022, forcing him to miss the final three games of the regular season before coming back for the two playoff games.

2023 was the last straw, as Vander Esch started the first five games of the season before another neck injury happened in week five against the 49ers. That would be the last game he would play.

Had A Bright Future

If it weren’t for the neck injury, you could argue Vander Esch would have had a solid career in the NFL. He reminds me of Luke Kuechly, all things considered.

Retiring at the age of 28 is short for an NFL career. But, with neck injuries being as serious as they are, seeing him walk away from the game for his safety was a good idea.

Kudos to you, Mr. Leighton Vander Esch. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

As for the Cowboys, they recently signed Eric Kendricks to replace their recently released guy.

Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out my podcast “Backup to the Backup” on Spotify and YouTube for more NFL content from me.

Featured Image: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

About Author

Nathan Nguyen

My name is Nathan Nguyen, a college student from the beautiful state of California. I cover the three major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB) for Belly Up Sports. Outside of my writing, I host the 3rd and 10 Podcast: an NFL show with a focus on the New York Giants. We are live every Monday and Thursday at 1 PM EST on YouTube. I also host the Piggin’ Out Podcast, which is live every Tuesday at 7 PM EST on the Belly Up Sports YouTube channel. Finally, I am one of the four members of the Korner Booth Podcast, and we are live every Monday and Thursday at 7 pm EST.

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