Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Someday, almost certainly, Tyron Smith will rejoin the Dallas Cowboys. It will be an emotional ceremonial reunion ... a flip on what happened on Monday, as the all-time All-Pro offered up an emotional official goodbye. formal goodbye from a legendary former offensive lineman, namely Tyron Smith.

"Cowboy Nation,'' Tyron wrote via social media, "thank you for everything. While I'm excited for this next chapter of my football career, part of my heart will forever be left in Texas. Until we meet again…"

That future "meeting'' will likely come in the form of Smith, 33, eventually signing a "one-day contract'' so he can end his career as a Cowboy. But between now and then?

"Cowboy Nation,

"Humbly, I don't even know where to begin...

"Thirteen years sure is a long time to sum up in one short letter to thousands of people who have made my time in Dallas so memorable. It's been a long and wild ride filled with plenty of ups and downs but Cowboy Nation, you all have been there through it all.

"In 2011 as a young kid out of USC, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Since the day I was selected, it's been my sole priority to give this organization, my teammates and of course the fans everything I had to give. I loved being a Cowboy and establishing relationships over the years with people that will always be a part of my life.

"The o-line room in Dallas will forever hold a special place in my heart. Inside those four walls, traditions were made, and teammates became brothers. I learned so much from y'all and you have no idea how much I appreciate the many ways you've help me grow not just as a player, but as a 20-year-old boy to the man I am today.

"To the Jones family, thank you for the amazing opportunity to play for the Cowboys and the life changing experience that my family and I will forever be grateful for. I will never forget the feeling of running out of the tunnel at AT&T Stadium or the roar of the crowd after a big play.

"Cowboy Nation, While I'm excited for this next chapter of my football career, part of my heart will forever be left in Texas. Until we meet again…"

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