Dallas, TX
Leighton Vander Esch retires from NFL after multiple neck injuries with Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Leighton Vander Esch retired Monday following six NFL seasons, with the linebacker stepping away after missing 12 games for the Dallas Cowboys last year because of the latest in a series of neck injuries.
The announcement by the 28-year-old former first-round draft pick came three days after the Cowboys released Vander Esch with a failed physical designation. His injury last season was the fourth since 2019 involving the neck and was considered career-threatening.
“I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands. 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 cooperate any longer. I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.”
After being the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Vander Esch started 65 of the 71 games he played for Dallas. He finished with 557 career tackles. He set a club rookie record with 176 tackles and was a Pro Bowl pick in his first season.
“We’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said.
After the first neck injury in 2019, Vander Esch was diagnosed with a narrow spinal column and underwent fusion surgery. The latest injury happened when he was pushed from behind in Week 5 against San Francisco last season and jammed his neck into teammate Micah Parsons’ right leg.
Vander Esch had issues with his neck at Boise State before the Cowboys drafted him.
In part because of the neck issues, Dallas declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract but brought him back in 2022 on a one-year deal. Vander Esch had one year remaining on a two-year contract.
“Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel,” Jones said. “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed.”
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With the start of the offseason right around the corner after the Stanley Cup Playoffs come to an end, the New York Rangers will be one of the teams seeking to improve.
This year, the Rangers came in last place in the Eastern Conference, and that resulted in them getting the fifth overall pick in the NHL Draft. New York will likely be using that pick to add some youth into the organization, but they also have another pick later on in the first round that they will have to decide what to do with.
While the team will have a good amount of cap space to pursue free agents, this isn’t a strong class, and it is lacking star power. For the Rangers, one of their top needs figures to be some help in the scoring department. In order to achieve that, they might have to go to the trade market looking for some help. Due to various reasons, good players always become available, and New York should pursue them if they do.
One player who could be on the radar for the Rangers is Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. As a restricted free agent, Dallas still controls his fate, but even with the salary cap increase, they are projected to be in a tough spot.
While Dallas was one of the best teams in the Western Conference and still has a window of opportunity to win, the price tag for the talented Robertson might get too high for their liking.
As a restricted free agent, the team will have the chance to keep him, but that could result in them having to shed salary. This year, the talented forward totaled 96 goals with 45 points and 51 assists. Robertson has emerged as one of the best scorers in the game, but the Stars might entertain moving him if they deem the price tag too high.
For New York, with the need for a scoring star, Robertson checks those boxes. Furthermore, at just 26 years old, he is someone that they can build around, as any deal would likely come with a long-term extension.
Overall, while the likelihood of him being dealt might not be overly high, the Rangers should certainly inquire if they make him available. Robertson is the caliber of player that could turn things around quickly for New York and would be a great addition.
Behold the 2026 Dallas Cowboys schedule.
We knew coming into Thursday that the Cowboys would be on the road to take on the New York Giants in the season opener on Sunday Night Football, that Dallas is “hosting” the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil in Week 3, and that the Philadelphia Eagles would be in town for Thanksgiving Day. Now we know it all.
Among the first things that jump to mind is that bye week is late. Dallas isn’t on bye until Week 14, the Sunday of that week is December 13th for full perspective.
The Cowboys also only play twice in their own building, thanks to the Brazil game, before November. Sometimes those weird quirks show up in schedules and this is certainly one of them.
It is interesting to see that the NFL gave Dallas the longest amount of rest possible after their Thanksgiving tilt. It hasn’t been uncommon for the league to have the Cowboys play on consecutive Thursdays, but perhaps that is a thing of the past.
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