DALLAS — Dallas Cowboys All-Pro offensive guard Zack Martin is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons, WFAA Cowboys insider Ed Werder confirmed Thursday afternoon.
The decision comes after a tumultuous season for the Cowboys and Martin, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery after playing in just 10 games during the 2024-2025 season. The absence of his physical being and role as a leader reflected in the team’s performance as they finished 7-10 overall.
The 34-year-old ends his NFL career having earned First Team All-Pro honors seven times in his 11 seasons. Martin also appeared in nine Pro Bowls and made the NFL Top 100 list eight times. His collection of accolades has many in the NFL world considering him a shoo-in for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One stat that stands out in his 11 seasons is that Martin was only flagged for holding a mere seven times, according to Pro Football Reference.
The Cowboys, who will enter the 2025-2026 season with a mostly new coaching ensemble, are now tasked with filling in another gap on their roster. Losing a leader like Martin is a big hit, especially for a relatively young offensive line still looking for an identity.