Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons is reacting to the news that his linebacker buddy Leighton Vander Esch is saying goodbye, having announced his retirement on Monday despite the fact that he's only 28 years old.
"Cowboys Nation should be grateful he represented the Star!'' Parsons wrote of Vander Esch, who is being forced out of the game after a series of injury issues, including neck problems. "Ima miss his passion and drive on the field!! Thank you.''
There has been an outpouring of support for Vander Esch as he moves away from football and does so with a lengthy and detailed farewell. ... a good bit of which addresses teammates like Parsons.
In part, "The Wolf Hunter'' wrote, "To my exceptional teammates, former and current, I owe you everything. I look forward to addressing you formally and privately later, but please know that I love and respect all of you, and not having the opportunity to be around you is what will hurt most of all.
"Forming friendships and unbreakable bonds of trust on the field is what makes football so special and so important to me. When reminiscing on my NFL career, I will think about all the games won and lost, plays made or missed. I know I will think about you and the time we shared together, the trust and love we had for each other and the unwavering willingness we had to help each other succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.''
Vander Esch also acknowledged that he "received the warmest welcome possible, and Dallas has been my home ever since'' following him being taken with the first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. "The dedication and passion the fans display has been inspiring.''
Vander Esch was inspiring to teammates in many ways, too, in part because of his battle to stay on the field despite his medical struggles. And Parsons deserves credit for working to make sure these facts are appreciated.
"I don’t think people realize how much y'all are going to miss Leighton!! I mean one of the hardest, most devoted, loving, authentic teammate you could ever have!!
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