By Alex Al-Kazzaz
After playing for eleven years in the National Football League, Guard Zack Martin will retire from the game. Martin, 34, played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys. The nine-time Pro Bowler was one of Dallas' most valuable assets in his entire stint. Martin has to be considered the second-best guard in Dallas Cowboys history behind the late Larry Allen.
Martin was selected 16th overall by the Cowboys in the 2014 NFL Draft. Ohio State Ryan Shazier was expected to be taken by Dallas, but Pittsburgh took him before Dallas could. Just when the world thought the Cowboys would select Johnny Manziel, the Cowboys swerved everyone and took Martin. This decision would turn out to be ultra-beneficial for Dallas.
In his first four seasons, Martin started all 16 games in the regular season. He made the Pro Bowl six straight times from 2014 to 2019 and three consecutive times from 2021-2023—a very disciplined and talented player with very low penalties. Martin would not miss a game until Week 14 of the 2018 season. He started all 17 games in 2022, registering a career-high 1,143 snaps without allowing one quarterback sack. Last season, Martin missed time due to an ankle injury.
Martin had one more year left in his current deal. It's a bit of a surprise to see him retire abruptly. Martin has battled several injuries lately. Now, the question is where do the Cowboys go from here? Dallas has many needs to address this offseason as far as positions go. An offensive guard is one of the team's draft needs along with an RB, DT, CB, and LB. Dallas will have to make moves via free agency.
The 2025 NFL offseason begins March 12th. Dallas hired a new head coach who brought a new set of coaching staff. The team better have plans for free agency as well as the draft. It's been nearly 30 years since Dallas' last Super Bowl triumph.
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