Dallas Cowboys star offensive lineman Zack Martin has announced his retirement after an impressive 11-season career. The 34-year-old informed Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones of his decision on Thursday, as reported by the Associated Press.
During his tenure, Martin started 162 games and was a key component of the Cowboys’ offensive line. He earned Pro Bowl honors nine times and was named an All-Pro seven times. Remarkably, throughout his distinguished career, Martin was penalized for holding only seven times, matching his number of All-Pro selections. Drafted 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft from Notre Dame, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. The only seasons he did not make the Pro Bowl were those in which he played fewer than 14 games.
In Cowboys history, only Bob Lilly (11), Larry Allen (10), Mel Renfro (10), and Jason Witten (11) have more Pro Bowl selections than Martin. Lilly, Allen, and Renfro are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Witten is eligible for induction this season.
Since Martin entered the league in 2014, the only player with more first-team All-Pro selections is Aaron Donald, who has eight and is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Martin briefly considered retirement during the 2023 preseason while holding out for a new contract but ultimately agreed to a restructured deal that effectively extended his contract for two more years.
Alongside Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith, Martin formed part of one of the NFL’s top offensive lines. Smith, a left tackle with eight Pro Bowl selections, left for the New York Jets in free agency before last season, while Frederick unexpectedly retired after the 2019 season due to health issues stemming from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
All three players—Smith, Martin, and Frederick—were first-round draft picks in 2011, 2013, and 2014, respectively, and the Cowboys successfully developed each of them. With their departures, the team is now focused on rebuilding its offensive line. Brock Hoffman stepped in for Martin late last season and is expected to continue in that role as the Cowboys aim to return to the playoffs after finishing 7-10 last season.
