Micah Parsons pays tribute to former Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch after retirement news

The Dallas Cowboys lost one of their key linebackers this offseason: former first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch has decided to retire from the NFL for health reasons.

Since announcing his retirement, plenty of individuals from across the league and members of the Cowboys organization have sent their well wishes to the former pro bowler as he prepares for the next chapter in his life. Most recently, his Dallas linebacker room brethren, Micah Parsons, took to social media to pay tribute to Vander Esch and thank him for all that he did and his effort while representing the star.

“I don’t think people realize how much y’all are going to miss Leighton!! I mean one of the hardest, most devoted, loving, authentic teammate you could ever have!! Cowboys nation should be grateful he represented the star! Ima miss his passion and drive on the field!!

“Thank you,” said Parsons via X.

Vander Esch played in a total of six seasons in Dallas but played in only five games last year for the Cowboys. His time sets in Dallas as Vander Esch finishes his career with 469 total tackles, 296 solo, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one of those recovered fumbles we’re turned for a touchdown.

Vander Esch to retire after six seasons

The Cowboys released him with a failed physical designation, and it appears that the neck injury he suffered during the 2023 season will now officially end his NFL career. He announced his decision officially on Monday afternoon in an Instagram post.

Vander Esch went on Injured Reserve after Week 5 due to a neck injury and never made it back to the active roster. At the time, there was concern that the former first-rounder would miss not only the rest of the season due to injury but also potentially end his career.

Before the injury, Vander Esch played in the first five games of the 2023 season and tallied 30 tackles, including 17 solo stops. He also recovered one fumble. 

Injuries to the neck area have been an ongoing concern for Vander Esch since the 2019 season, when he missed seven games. He also missed time last year because of a neck injury. A former first-round selection out of Boise State, the 2023 season was his sixth with Dallas.

In the offseason, the Cowboys inked Vander Esch to a two-year deal worth $8 million with $5 million guaranteed and a $2.5 million signing bonus. That contract agreement came in March after spending the 2022 campaign on a one-year deal.