In somewhat of a surprising revelation, Dallas Cowboys’ veteran right guard Zack Martin hinted at the possibility of hanging up his cleats after the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
Martin, a stalwart on the Cowboys’ offensive line since being drafted in the first round in 2014, expressed uncertainty about his football future during a recent interview with Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
The uncertainty surrounding Martin’s future comes on the heels of significant changes within the Cowboys’ roster.
The departure of left tackle Tyron Smith earlier this offseason marked a notable shift, and Martin’s potential retirement could signal further adjustments for the team in the coming seasons.
Despite Martin’s consistent performance, including seven first-team All-Pro selections, the toll of years in the league and a recent contract holdout have prompted introspection about his playing career.
Reflecting on his mindset, Martin acknowledged the possibility of retirement while emphasizing a focus on the present…
“I’m not saying 100 percent, but I think it’s definitely in the realm of possibilities,” Martin said.
“And that’s one thing I don’t want to do. For myself, I don’t want to be thinking, ‘Oh, this is it. This is it.’ I want to stay in the moment, and I want to play the best that I can play at this point and be the best right guard this team needs on a weekly basis.
“Then after the season, we’ll figure out what’s going on.”
Martin’s comments shed light on the multifaceted considerations weighing on his decision-making process.
While his dedication to maximizing his performance remains steadfast, the toll of injuries and the wear and tear on his body have inevitably prompted contemplation about his long-term future in the sport.
The potential retirement of Martin adds another layer of intrigue to the Cowboys’ offseason, which has already been dominated by contract negotiations involving key players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.
As Martin stated, he’s all-in on the upcoming season. However, if he does decide to retire at the end of the year, he will leave behind an enormous hole on Dallas’ offensive line.
Martin has been one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lineman for years now. He is a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame.
Cowboy fans are sure hoping that 2024 isn’t his final season.
But if it is, he’s had one hell of a career.
What do you make of Martin’s comments?
Do you think this will indeed be his final season?
Where do you rank him among the top offensive lineman of this current generation???