Zack Martin has decided to retire following an illustrious career that included seven All-Pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys at the right guard position. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed on Thursday that Martin communicated his intention to Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones in a meeting, although no official announcement was planned at that time.
The 34-year-old offensive lineman was unable to complete his 11th season with the team due to an ankle injury that ultimately required surgical intervention. After missing the final portion of the season, Martin indicated that he needed time to consider his options regarding retirement.
Concerns about his career’s direction initially emerged during the 2023 preseason when Martin held out for a contract renegotiation, which resulted in a pay increase as part of a two-year agreement. Drafted 16th overall in 2014, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone player for the Cowboys’ offensive line.
At the time of Martin’s selection, former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was available, but Stephen Jones, the executive vice president of personnel, urged his father, Jerry, to choose Martin instead of the more flamboyant quarterback, who had a disappointing NFL career.
Martin was recognized as an All-Pro in his rookie season and continued to earn this distinction for the next five seasons barring injuries. Additionally, he garnered nine Pro Bowl selections and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s all-decade team for the 2010s.
The Cowboys became known for their strong offensive line, having drafted for key positions in the first round three times within four seasons, starting with left tackle Tyron Smith in 2011, followed by center Travis Frederick in 2013, and then Martin.
Frederick’s retirement in 2019 was unexpected, as he had been forced to sit out the previous season due to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. After returning for one more year, he realized he could not meet his performance standards.
Last year, the Cowboys allowed Smith, a multiple Pro Bowl selection, to leave via free agency. With Martin’s departure, the Dallas offensive line is undergoing significant changes as they head into a new phase, coinciding with quarterback Dak Prescott’s $240 million, four-year contract—marking the first NFL deal with an average annual value of $60 million.
Martin’s retirement comes at a time when first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer aims to revitalize a struggling rushing offense that ranked among the least effective in the league last season. Currently, Rico Dowdle remains a free agent after making history as the first undrafted running back to rush for over 1,000 yards.
With Martin’s exit, the Cowboys are likely to prioritize acquiring a running back in the upcoming April draft, while the offensive line remains a pressing area of need. Brock Hoffman stepped in for Martin late last season and is expected to keep that role going forward. Meanwhile, Tyler Smith, a first-round pick in 2022, solidifies the left guard position, while Cooper Beebe, a third-round choice last year, should secure the center slot.
Terence Steele, who primarily started at right tackle since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020, may face uncertainties regarding his future on the roster. Tyler Guyton, another first-round pick from the previous year, is likely to head into training camp as the starting left tackle, depending on the team’s draft decisions.
During Martin’s first three seasons, the Cowboys reached the divisional round of the playoffs twice, including in his rookie year when DeMarco Murray set a franchise record with 1,845 rushing yards. The team made four additional playoff appearances with Martin before concluding his final season with a disappointing 7-10 record, marking the end of a three-year playoff streak.
Despite Martin’s stellar contributions, the Cowboys have faced difficulty reaching the NFC Championship game, extending a 29-year dry spell, the longest in the NFC. The organization last made it past the divisional round during the 1995 season, when they captured their fifth Super Bowl title.
