Zack Martin says goodbye to Cowboys and NFL with a promise from Jerry Jones

For millions of Dallas Cowboys fans, it’s time to tip your hats. Zack Martin, one of Dallas’ all-time greats, has hung up his cleats. The offensive line legend announced his retirement on March 5, closing out a stellar 11-year career that’s got Hall of Fame written all over it. Speaking to The Dallas Morning News, Martin reflected on his journey with pride, saying, “Consistency was my game. I wanted to be the guy my teammates could count on every snap.” But even with all his accolades, he’s got one lingering regret-and it’s a biggie.

Drafted 16th overall in 2014 out of Notre Dame, Martin turned into a Cowboys cornerstone fast. Nine Pro Bowls, nine All-Pro nods, and a spot on the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team? That’s the resume of a guy who redefined guard play.

“I just tried to show up every day and do my job,” he told reporters, keeping it humble despite anchoring an O-line that powered Dallas to five NFC East titles. At 34, after a 2024 season where he started all 17 games-despite nagging injuries-he’s calling it a career.

So, what’s that one regret? “I wish I could’ve brought a Super Bowl to Dallas,” Martin admitted, per The Athletic. It’s the missing piece for a guy who played in eight playoff games but never got past the Divisional Round. Fans on X feel it too, with posts like “Zack deserved a ring-gutted he’s retiring without one” trending hard. He came close-think that 2016 thriller against Green Bay-but the Lombardi stayed out of reach.