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Dak Reacts Emotionally to Stunning Dallas Legend Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Fisher | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 2:24 PM ET

FRISCO - Dallas Cowboys legend Tyron Smith is coming back to the team for minute ... and forever.

On Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to revealed that 14-year veteran and offensive tackle Smith will be signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Cowboys.

This of course, will lead to him being inducted into the team's Ring of Honor (right, Jerry Jones?) and into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Sidebar: If you are reading websites that ponder whether Tyron is "HOF-worthy''? Cancel your subscription.)

Shortly after the news broke, one of the QBs he protected, Dak Prescott, took to social media to send Smith a congratulatory message, writing, "I always got your Back as you had Mine! Enjoy Retirement!! Grrrrr @tyronsmith77."

This is emotional stuff for these guys, and for Cowboys fans ... oh, and for the Jones family as well.

Smith, 24, spent 13 years with the Cowboys after they selected him in the first round with the No. 9 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft

He was an immediate stud here and along the way earned eight Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro nods and two Second-Team All-Pros nods.

Dak Prescott on retirement of longtime Cowboys LT All-Pro Tyron Smith: “I always got your Back, as you had Mine!” pic.twitter.com/3qWQYlfYHY
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) April 15, 2025

He spent 2024 with the New York Jets, capping a career that will eventually include the Pro Football Hall of Fame bust and the gold jacket.

Tyron's relationship with Dak and his teammates is a powerful thing. That goes for his ties to the DFW community, too ... and to his almost-familial bond with the Joneses.

He's a special person, a special player, and now Tyron Smith will be a Cowboy ... forever.

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

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