Cowboys’ Zack Martin retires after legendary profession

FRISCO, Texas — All these years later, Jerry Jones can lastly admit he was improper.

Within the first spherical of the 2014 draft, the Dallas Cowboys proprietor made yet one more cross to talk to the participant personnel division and scouts, seeking to stoke curiosity in taking Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and never guard Zack Martin.

“All people was taking a look at their toes when Jerry was asking questions on who could be for the opposite man [Manziel],” government vp Stephen Jones stated.

Manziel famously flamed out of the NFL in two years. Martin went on to be named a primary crew All-Professional seven occasions in his 11 years, tied for probably the most in crew historical past with Bob Lilly and Randy White. He was named to the Professional Bowl 9 occasions and the 2010 All-Decade Crew.

“Finest ‘proper,’ determination I’ve ever made,” stated Jerry Jones, who joked he nonetheless has “knots” on his leg from Stephen kicking him below the desk that draft night time.

On Wednesday, Martin, 34, formally retired from soccer.

In a 13-minute assertion, Martin took these in attendance — which included many former teammates, from quarterbacks Tony Romo and Dak Prescott, offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Ronald Leary and La’el Collins, and 2014 draft classmate DeMarcus Lawrence — by means of his 27-year soccer journey from youth soccer in Indiana to highschool to Notre Dame to 11 years with the Cowboys.

“I hope I left as a lot of an impression on this group because it did on me,” Martin stated. “There is a deep sense of satisfaction in realizing that I gave every thing I needed to one crew, one metropolis and one group my whole profession.”

“I have been lucky to dwell out a dream,” Zack Martin. pic.twitter.com/YIkO9jr5cN

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 5, 2025

Martin grew to become the third first-round decide the Cowboys used on an offensive lineman in a four-year span, becoming a member of Smith (2011) and Frederick (2013).

“Once you have a look at it and also you’re choosing that top, you wish to be sure you’re proper,” Stephen Jones stated. “One factor whenever you learn [about] Zack, whenever you watch Zack on the tape, it was laborious to seek out something that you simply did not like about him. Simply felt that on the finish of the day he was the best man for our soccer crew. He met all of the requirements. And on no account to be adverse towards the opposite man we’re speaking about, however he simply did not stack up like that. And so it was actual straightforward.”

Martin was nicely conscious of the Manziel speak when the Cowboys chosen him No. 16 general in 2014. All through the years, he downplayed any comparisons to him and the previous Heisman Trophy winner.

“Dallas wasn’t even on my radar,” Martin stated. “I got here down for a go to earlier than the draft however did not have a lot contact outdoors of there. So going into that night time I did not actually suppose that Dallas was a risk. I used to be at house with some family and friends, so I used to be having some enjoyable. I used to be simply completely happy that I bought picked and was prepared to come back down right here.”

In 11,184 snaps, Martin was penalized for holding a mere seven occasions, equal to his first-team All-Professional picks. None got here on a cross play.

“Individuals inform me that stat on a regular basis,” Martin stated. “I imply these have been simply the accepted ones. I believe I bought away with a couple of third-and lengthy [penalties] that they declined. However we’ll take it.

He was the one the rookie to be named a first-team All-Professional in 2014 and the third Cowboy to perform that feat. He didn’t miss a begin for the primary 4 seasons of his profession. In 2020, a calf damage restricted him 10 video games. In 2024, an ankle damage pressured him to the sideline, once more limiting him to 10 video games.

He had surgical procedure to take away bone spurs and repair ligament points in December, however he waited to decide on whether or not to proceed taking part in. Usually after the Tremendous Bowl has handed, he will get an itch to start out figuring out once more for the upcoming season. That itch didn’t come.

“I am at peace with my determination,” stated Martin, whose spouse, Morgan, and three kids, Charlie, Hudson and Remi, watched together with Martin’s mother and father.

Amongst offensive lineman, Martin’s play is most frequently in comparison with former Cowboys Corridor of Famer Larry Allen. When Martin visited the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame as a rookie, he made it some extent to take an image in entrance of Allen’s bust.

“They’re twins,” Jerry Jones stated.

In the future Martin will find yourself within the Corridor of Fame, like Allen, and Jones stated Martin shall be within the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor earlier than he’s enshrined in Canton, Ohio.

“He is about as particular a participant as you will discover,” Romo stated. “I believe Zack Martin and Larry Allen are the 2 finest guards within the historical past of the NFL … They educate at Notre Dame in regards to the approach that Zack Martin used. I believe that is going to resonate right here with Dallas lengthy after he is gone. He’ll be a educating tape. They only do not make them with the footwork, the bottom, the launch, his power, his athleticism after which his thoughts.

“He is a uncommon, uncommon soccer participant.”