Dallas Cowboys star offensive lineman Zack Martin has announced his retirement after an 11-season career. Martin, who informed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of his decision, started 162 games and was a key piece of the team’s offensive line. He made the Pro Bowl nine times and was named an All-Pro seven times, with only seven holding penalties throughout his career. Martin, drafted in 2014, became a stalwart for the Cowboys, with only Bob Lilly, Larry Allen, Mel Renfro, and Jason Witten making more Pro Bowl appearances in team history.
Named to the Pro Bowl nine times and an All-Pro seven times, Martin only had seven accepted holding penalties in his career. The only player with more first-team All-Pro selections since Martin entered the league in 2014 is Aaron Donald. Martin considered retiring during the 2023 preseason but ultimately agreed to a reworked contract. With Martin, Travis Frederick, and Tyron Smith, the Cowboys boasted one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but both Frederick and Smith are no longer with the team, leaving the unit in transition.
Following Frederick’s retirement in 2019, Martin and Smith were the remaining pillars of the Cowboys’ offensive line. However, now that all three first-round picks from 2011, 2014, and 2013 are no longer with the team, the Cowboys are left to rebuild their offensive line. Brock Hoffman filled in for Martin late last season and is expected to continue in that role as the Cowboys aim to return to the playoffs after a 7-10 season. The team’s offensive line has always been a strength, and it will be critical for the Cowboys to find a way to maintain that level of play without Martin anchoring the unit.
Martin’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Cowboys, as one of the team’s key offensive linemen steps away from the game. With his exceptional career accolades and consistent performance, Martin leaves a significant void in the Cowboys’ lineup. His impact on the team and the league as a whole will be felt for years to come. As the Cowboys look to the future and navigate the changes to their offensive line, they will need to find a way to replace Martin’s leadership, skill, and reliability.
In conclusion, Zack Martin’s retirement after 11 seasons leaves the Dallas Cowboys with big shoes to fill on the offensive line. A nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro selection, Martin was a cornerstone of the team’s success for over a decade. With Martin, Frederick, and Smith, the Cowboys had one of the best offensive lines in the league, but now they must find a way to rebuild and maintain that level of play without their veteran linemen. As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to rely on younger players like Brock Hoffman to step up and fill the void left by Martin’s departure.
