Leighton Vander Esch retiring after release from Cowboys - ESPN

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is retiring from the NFL after six seasons.

The Cowboys released Vander Esch on Friday.

Vander Esch, 28, dealt with a number of injuries throughout his time with the Cowboys, including a neck issue last season after he was pushed from behind leading to an awkward collision, which ultimately ended his season after five games.

In the second quarter of the Week 5 loss to the 49ers, San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams pushed Vander Esch from behind, and his head collided with Micah Parsons' hip.

As a rookie, Vander Esch was named to the Pro Bowl, leading the Cowboys with 140 tackles, but neck issues that were a concern entering the draft continued to be an issue. In 2019, he missed seven of the final nine games with a neck injury that required surgery. In 2022, he missed the final four regular-season games with a stinger but returned for the two playoff games.

The Cowboys prepared for Vander Esch's departure by signing veteran Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal.

Selected in the first round by the Cowboys in the 2018 draft, Vander Esch has 469 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in his career.