For more than a decade, Zack Martin was the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, a force so dominant that his presence felt irreplaceable. But now, at 34, the future Hall of Fame guard has decided it’s time.
This departure isn’t a surprise—rumors swirled, hints dropped—but now it’s official. And as Martin walks away on his own terms, the Cowboys are left with a massive void to fill.
A Legacy Built on Excellence
Few draft picks in Cowboys history have turned out as well as Martin. Selected 16th overall in 2014, he was initially a backup plan after the team’s defensive targets were snatched off the board. But what a backup plan he turned out to be.
Jason Garrett, the coach who played a crucial role in selecting him, recalls the moment. “Zack was staring at us. There was no hesitation. Everyone in the room knew—this was our guy.”
And he delivered. Nine Pro Bowls, seven First-Team All-Pro selections, two additional nods from the Pro Football Writers Association, and the unquestioned respect of teammates and coaches. Martin didn’t just play his position—he defined it.
The Cowboys’ Changing Offensive Line
The Cowboys have been here before. Their offensive line, once an impenetrable wall, has seen the gradual departure of its key pieces. First, it was Travis Frederick, forced into early retirement. Tyron Smith has battled injuries. Now, Martin exits, marking the true end of an era.
But can they replace him? Options are slim.
- Brock Hoffman stepped in last season, but is he ready for a full-time role?
- T.J. Bass and Asim Richards are young, unproven talents.
- The NFL Draft could provide an answer, though finding another Martin is nearly impossible.
The Cowboys have tough decisions ahead. Do they trust their current roster, or make a big move in free agency or the draft?
Financial Ripples and the Cost of Greatness
Keeping Martin around wasn’t just a luxury—it was a priority. The Cowboys structured contracts to accommodate him, shifting money around year after year. Now, the bill has come due.
With his official designation as a post-June 1 cut, Dallas spreads $26 million in dead money across two years: $9 million in 2024, $17 million in 2025. A painful hit, but few would argue it wasn’t worth every penny.
“We spent big,” a Cowboys source acknowledged. “Not in free agency, but in keeping the best. And we’d do it again.”
Jason Garrett’s Tribute: “The Best of the Best”
For those who knew Martin, his greatness wasn’t just about talent. Garrett, who coached him for six years, emphasizes what set him apart. “His work ethic. His leadership. His love for the game.”
Garrett recalls a moment that encapsulated Martin’s essence: “We’d just scored, Zeke ran in right behind him. Zack came off the field smiling. That look—it was pure joy. He loved every second of it.”
Few players earn that level of admiration. Even fewer get to leave the game entirely on their own terms.
The End of an Era, and the Beginning of the Unknown
Martin’s retirement signals the start of something new for Dallas. A future without one of its greatest players. A challenge they must now face.
As Garrett put it, “This is a rare, rare cat. A privilege to coach, a privilege to watch. The best of the best.”
And now, the Cowboys must find a way to move forward without “The President.
