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Todd Archer
FRISCO, Texas — Zack Martin, one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Dallas Cowboys history, has opted to retire, sources told ESPN.
Martin met with owner and general manager Jerry Jones on Thursday to inform him of his decision, sources said.
Martin was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection in 11 years with the Cowboys. Only Hall of Famers Bob Lilly, Larry Allen and Mel Renfro, along with Jason Witten, who is eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time this season, have been named to more. He was a first-team All-Pro pick seven times, tying him for the most in team history with Lilly and Hall of Famer Randy White.
A first-round pick in 2014, Martin started 162 games, missing more than one game in a season just twice: 2020 and 2024. In addition, he was named to the NFL’s All-Decade team from 2010-20.
In 2024, he was limited to 10 games because of an ankle that ultimately required surgery. He was bothered for his last two seasons but continued to play until he no longer had the strength to sustain his elite level of play.
Martin, 34, quashed talk of retirement last summer during training camp as well as when his season ended. During several appearances before Super Bowl LIX, Martin said he just wanted to get healthy before making a decision on his future.
Martin held out of most of training camp in 2023 before signing an adjusted contract that guaranteed him $36 million over the last two seasons and made him the third-highest paid guard in the NFL.
Martin reworked his contract last offseason that allowed the Cowboys to gain some salary-cap relief if he opted to retire in 2025. The Cowboys can designate him a post-June 1 cut, which means he will count $9.4 million against the cap in 2025 and $17 million against the 2026 cap.
His absence creates a void on the field and off for the Cowboys.
Brock Hoffman filled in admirably for Martin last season, but the Cowboys could look to the draft or free agency to fill Martin’s spot. Off the field, he was one of the team’s biggest leaders, serving on the players’ council under coaches Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy in his time.
While not the most vocal, Martin’s day-to-day dedication was admired by players throughout the locker room.
Up next for Martin is likely a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a five-year waiting period.
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