Leighton Vander Esch Announces Retirement Due to Neck Issues

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker retires after six seasons, citing health concerns as the primary reason.

Leighton Vander Esch, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker, announced his retirement from the NFL, attributing his decision to ongoing neck problems.
Vander Esch's career was marked by a series of neck injuries, including a nerve issue and a broken collarbone, which led to multiple surgeries.
Throughout his six seasons with the Cowboys, Vander Esch played in 71 games, tallying 557 tackles, and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his rookie year.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy praised Vander Esch for his passion, leadership, and impact on the team.
Vander Esch expressed gratitude towards his wife, Madalynn, for her support throughout his career and looked forward to focusing on his family.