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
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
#Cowboys starting LB Leighton Vander Esch is medically retiring from football after a six-year career. With 557 tackles in 71 games, Vander Esch was a Pro Bowler before a neck injury ended his career.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2024
Owner Jerry Jones said, “We’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet.” pic.twitter.com/q5t6lHn8cf
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.
In Leighton Vander Esch’s final full NFL game, he scored his first NFL touchdown.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) March 18, 2024
A great final howl. 🐺pic.twitter.com/zVP3oEduRo
As for the Cowboys, they recently signed Eric Kendricks to replace their recently released guy.
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Featured Image: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
