Former Cowboys star linebacker announces retirement

The Cowboys made a couple of surprise releases last week, parting ways with wide receiver Michael Gallup and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to get under the salary cap. However, one of the two cuts now makes a lot more sense.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Vander Esch is medically retiring from football after a six-year NFL career that has been plagued with injuries.

Vander Esch, Dallas' first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, suffered a neck injury in Week 5 of last season, which forced him to miss the remainder of the year. After failing his physical last week, it was only a matter of time before he called it a career.

His neck issues began during his collegiate career. Vander Esch first injured his neck during his sophomore season at Boise State, prompting him to spend the rest of his career wearing a cowboy collar.

The 28-year-old becomes the latest example of a player with plenty of good football left in him who was forced to retire with his long-term health in mind.

Vander Esch finished his career with 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie in 2018.

"We're proud that he wore the star on his helmet," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, per Rapoport.

As for Dallas, it already has Vander Esch's replacement on the roster. Last week, the Cowboys were able to sway former Chargers and Vikings LB Eric Kendricks to join them instead of the 49ers, who he previously agreed to sign with.

New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wanted Kendricks to help run his defense, and luckily for him, Kendricks preferred to play in Dallas.

Kendricks, 32, is coming off yet another productive season of his nine-year NFL career where he posted 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble.