The Dallas Cowboys are officially saying goodbye to a well-loved player as star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is walking off into the sunset and retiring from the league.

A few days ago, the Dallas Cowboys released the former star linebacker from the roster with a failed physical designation, according to ESPN. The 28-year-old dealt with a number of injuries throughout his six-year career with the Cowboys, including a neck issue last season after he was pushed from behind leading to a terrible collision.

That moment seemingly ended his career and now he heads into retirement as it was announced on Monday.

In 2018, the Dallas Cowboys drafted linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. It paid off immediately as he was named to the Pro Bowl, leading the Cowboys with 176 tackles.

The following season, however, he would miss seven of the final nine games with a neck injury that required surgery. Three years later in 2022, he would miss four regular-season games with a stinger but returned for the two playoff games.

Neck Injuries Ended The Career of Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch

Spinal issues have forced Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to end his career while only being 28.

His pregnant wife, Maddy, was at Levi’s Stadium not knowing she was witnessing Vander Esch play his final NFL game with the Dallas Cowboys in the October 8th loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

While he made a quick recovery from a bulging disk ending his second season with the Dallas Cowboys, it was understood that his career would be in doubt should he need another neck surgery. The second procedure would all but force Vander Esch to retire.

What would’ve been a Hall of Fame career ended prematurely and leaves questions as to what could’ve been for his future with the Cowboys if not for unfortunate injuries to his neck.