The end of an era.
There could have been a couple of different topics for this weeks Dallas Cowboys article.
Exploring why the punt return team do not know the rules on a blocked punt. How the Cowboys are somehow an underdog against the Carolina Panthers. The first time the Panthers have been a favourite in two full calendar years. However, I have chosen to write an article recognising an all-time Cowboys great.
Zack Martin, a stalwart of the Cowboys for a decade was placed on injured reserve earlier this week heading for season-ending surgery on an ankle injury.
Given Martin is now 34-years-old and has a contract that expires this offseason, it looks extremely likely that this pillar of the Cowboys has played his last game with the star on his helmet.
Martin had alluded to 2024 being his last season in the NFL during training camp.
Despite a seventh first-team All-Pro selection in 2023, Martin had felt he had not played up to his standards. Martin wanted to come back strong this season to show why he was regarded as one of the elite guards in the NFL.
The fact Martin is not going to finish his Cowboys career on his own terms sadly follows the path that Tyron Smith and Travis Fredrick had to end their time in Dallas.
Injury and illness have led to the break-up of a truly dominant offensive line.
From rookie to role model
During his rookie season, Martin was part of the line that paved the way for DeMarco Murray to win the NFL rushing title in 2014.
He then helped the Cowboys transition from Tony Romo to Dak Prescott at quarterback and enabled Ezekiel Elliott to secure two NFL rushing titles in three years – in 2016 and again in 2018.
Martin has been the epitome of consistency throughout his 11 years in Dallas. As a seven time first-team All-Pro, two time second-team All-Pro and a nine-time Pro-Bowler, Martin has built the resume to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Respected by coaches and peers, Martin has been a leader at the guard position throughout his career.
Famously, Martin has more first-team All-Pro selections than holding penalties and has only committed 21 penalties in his 11 seasons so far, testament to his discipline.
Martin is the complete package of consistency, versatility, technique, durability, leadership and football intelligence. If the Cowboys do let Martin leave in free agency, they will be losing a lot more than the elite level of play on the field.
Martin was this year’s Cowboy nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award due to his involvement in the National Medal of Honour Museum and work supporting The Salvation Army.
Martin is a joy to coach and play with and will be missed as a standard setter in the locker room. Whoever the Cowboys offensive coordinator is next year will no longer have the easy ‘run it behind #70’ call on their playsheet.
Lasting legacy
Whatever comes next for Zack, he has left an indelible mark on the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL will be a worse place without him.
For putting your body on the line, gritting it out, being a driving force behind the best Cowboys teams I have been able to watch, for being a true ironman and one of the best offensive guards we will ever see.
Thank you, Zack Martin
