In Frisco, Texas, emotions ran high during Zack Martin’s retirement ceremony, commemorating his impressive 11-season tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. The ceremony was attended by many, including the team owner and GM, Jerry Jones, who couldn’t help but get emotional himself. Humorous nods were made to the 2014 draft decision when Stephen Jones convinced his father to secure Martin with the 16th overall pick, a choice that shaped the team’s future despite the allure of drafting Johnny Manziel, a high-profile quarterback from Texas.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Martin expressed gratitude to the Jones family, smiling as he recalled the uncertainty surrounding his selection. He acknowledged their belief in him and the opportunity they provided, leading to his seven-time All-Pro career as a right guard for the Cowboys. The room, filled with family, coaches, and both current and former teammates, erupted in laughter at these anecdotes. Jerry Jones, following Martin’s heartfelt 13-minute speech, humorously referenced the friendly draft-day banter between him and his son, Stephen, without directly naming Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.
On his draft night, Martin gracefully addressed media comparisons between himself and the more glamorous potential pick, Manziel. Looking back on his journey, Martin reminisced about how joining the Cowboys wasn’t initially on his radar and expressed gratitude for the opportunity he received. At 34, already a notable alumnus from Notre Dame, Martin is set to transition to the next phase of his life, feeling pride in having played his entire career with one team. His final season was cut short by an ankle injury necessitating surgery, something he regrets.
Despite injuries, Martin concluded his career with five consecutive All-Pro selections. A new two-year contract in 2023 aligned his compensation with other top offensive linemen. During this time, Martin had hinted at retirement, noting how the media quickly amplified his remarks. Now, with no pull towards returning, Martin steps into a new role much like his friend and former teammate, Travis Frederick, who retired in 2019 after battling Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The ceremony saw the attendance of noteworthy faces from Martin’s career, including both his first quarterback, Tony Romo, and his last, Dak Prescott. Longtime teammates like left tackle Tyron Smith were also present. During his speech, Martin shared how dedication and consistency were his driving forces, ensuring his teammates could always count on him. This consistency was a key factor that stood out when the Cowboys selected him in 2014, making him the third offensive lineman chosen in a strategic four-year drafting period.
Stephen Jones, reflecting on the drafting process, emphasized the importance of accuracy when picking a player of Martin’s caliber, noting that Martin’s characteristics left little to dislike. Both Martin and Jason Witten, another Cowboys legend, brought up the absence of a championship win when reflecting on their careers. While Martin didn’t apologize like Witten did, the sentiment of coming short of a title echoed throughout his comments. He lamented the lack of a “storybook ending,” recalling how he left the field in sweatpants due to his injury instead of victorious sweat-soaked glory, yet he emphasized having few regrets otherwise.
