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Injuries, however, interrupted his rise. Vander Esch’s collar first caused him problems during his sophomore season at Boise State, leading him to spend the rest of his career wearing a cowboy collar. That protective measure would not prevent him from experiencing a nerve problem in his neck in his second season in the NFL, which would force him to undergo corrective surgery and end his season prematurely. A year later, a broken collarbone limited him to 10 games. And in the 2021 season, with Vander Esch finally enjoying a healthy season, the Cowboys decided to move on from Smith in favor of the star rookie. Michael Parsonsending their partnership before they could play important plays together.
Vander Esch’s health issues led the Cowboys to decline his fifth-year option, and after signing a one-year deal to return in 2022, another injury — this time a neck stinger — cost him four games. A year later, another neck problem would cost him all but five games in the 2023 season.
With the 2024 league year underway, Vander Esch has decided now is the time to stop fighting the injury bug and move on to the next chapter of his life.
“I realize that I can no longer meet the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands,” Vander Esch wrote in a letter included in the Cowboys’ press release announcing his retirement. “I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. I love football very much and my body is no longer cooperating.
“I have cherished every moment of my NFL career and it has been such a blessing to play for so long. This year, things may look a little different for me, but the only focus is being a great husband and father to my loving family .
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