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Cowboys' Zack Martin Makes Career Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Richie Whitt | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 6:01 PM ET

FRISCO - Zack Martin is someday headed to the Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But in 2025 - or anytime after - he's not headed back to the Dallas Cowboys.

In a move that isn't surprising but will nonetheless send more shock waves through a Cowboy' offensive line that suffered through a horrible season, Martin on Thursday - according to NFL Network - told the team he plans to retire. Martin, 34, is a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time first-team All-Pro, and one of the best interior offensive linemen of his generation.

A stalwart entrenched at right guard, Martin was named 1st-Team All-Pro 7 times in his career, tied with Hall of Famers Randall McDaniel and John Hannah for the most by any guard in NFL history.

Martin suffered the first season-ending injury of his 11-year career, undergoing ankle surgery after Week 14 in November.

"This is not the time to have those discussions," Martin said at the time. "This is all I'll say about that: It's a tough situation, and the most important thing on my mind is getting healthy and then having those conversations down the road. But first and foremost, I want to get healthy and then maybe those conversations are a little bit easier."

Martin was drafted in the first round in 2014, when owner Jerry Jones was also seriously contemplating Texas A&M Heisman Trophy quarterback Johnny Manziel.

For years the Cowboys were considered one of the best offensive lines in the NFL with Martin, Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith. But with this decision by Martin, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer must essentially start from scratch.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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