Leighton Vander Esch

2024 - 3 - 18

Dallas Cowboys' Leighton Vander Esch Retires from the NFL Due to Neck Injuries

Dallas Cowboys - Leighton Vander Esch - neck injuries - NFL - retirement

Breaking news: Leighton Vander Esch announces retirement from the NFL after multiple neck injuries. #Cowboys #NFL #Retirement

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has decided to hang up his cleats after six seasons in the NFL. The announcement of his retirement came shortly after being released by the Cowboys, citing ongoing neck issues as the primary reason for stepping away from the game. Vander Esch, known for his impressive rookie season where he set a Cowboys' record with 176 tackles and received the nickname "Wolf Hunter," leaves behind a legacy of dedication and hard work on the field.

In a heartfelt statement, the Dallas Cowboys expressed their gratitude for Vander Esch's contributions to the team over the years. His decision to retire has sparked discussions about player safety in the NFL, highlighting the physical toll that the sport can take on athletes. Vander Esch's retirement serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and risks that players face in pursuit of their passion for football.

Despite the challenges Vander Esch faced with his health, his resilience and commitment to the game have left a lasting impact on the Cowboys and the NFL community. As he bids farewell to his playing career, Vander Esch's legacy as a dedicated linebacker and team player will be remembered by fans and fellow athletes alike. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Cowboys, as they now look to the future without one of their key defensive players.

In the midst of his retirement, Vander Esch's decision sheds light on the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in professional sports. His journey serves as a cautionary tale about the physical demands of football and the need for players to listen to their bodies. Vander Esch's story offers a poignant reminder that success in sports should never come at the expense of one's health and long-term well-being.

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Image courtesy of "NFL.com"

Former Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch retires from NFL ... (NFL.com)

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is retiring after six professional seasons, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.

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Image courtesy of "NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth"

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch medically ... (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)

Three days after being released by the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch says he's medically retiring from the NFL after a string of neck...

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Image courtesy of "DallasCowboys.com"

LVE retires from NFL, Cowboys issue statement (DallasCowboys.com)

Leighton Vander Esch is retiring from the NFL, and the Dallas Cowboys have issued a statement to reiterate what he meant to the organization over the past ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Leighton Vander Esch retiring after release from Cowboys - ESPN (ESPN)

A first-round pick in 2018, Vander Esch set a Cowboys' rookie record with 176 tackles and was named to the Pro Bowl as his "Wolf Hunter" nickname became a ...

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Leighton Vander Esch retires from NFL after multiple neck injuries ... (The Associated Press)

Leighton Vander Esch has retired after six NFL seasons following a series of neck injuries. The linebacker missed 12 games for the Dallas Cowboys last ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS Dallas / Fort Worth"

Former Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch announces ... (CBS Dallas / Fort Worth)

Just a few days after being released by the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has announced he is retiring from the NFL due to neck issues.

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Image courtesy of "New York Post"

Cowboys' Leighton Vander Esch retires over lingering neck issues ... (New York Post)

Former Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced he has medically retired from the NFL due to lingering neck issues in his six-year career.

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Image courtesy of "FOXSports.com"

Former Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announces ... (FOXSports.com)

I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL," Vander Esch said in a statement. "I love the game of football so much, and my body won't ...

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Image courtesy of "Merced Sun-Star"

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch has medically retired ... (Merced Sun-Star)

Neck injuries have plagued Vander Esch dating back to college at Boise State when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. The Cowboys still made him a first- ...

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Image courtesy of "Fresno Bee"

Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch has medically retired ... (Fresno Bee)

It was long-awaited expectation for Vander Esch since suffering a neck injury against the San Francisco 49ers last October, forcing him to miss the final 11 ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

LB Leighton Vander Esch medically retires at age 28; Jerry Jones ... (Yahoo Sports)

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced Monday that he is retiring from the NFL at age 28 after a six-year career, but he's not calling it quits because ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

LB Leighton Vander Esch medically retires at age 28; Jerry Jones ... (Yahoo Sports)

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced Monday that he is retiring from the NFL at age 28 after a six-year career, but he's not calling it quits because ...

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