FRISCO, Texas – When all is said and done, Zack Martin will undoubtedly go down as one of the best offensive linemen in Cowboys history.
And according to him, the “end” could come sooner rather than later.
Speaking to reporters during minicamp, Martin said the idea of retiring after this season is something he has thought about as he enters the 2024 season, the 11th of his career.
“I guess I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t crossed my mind, right?” Martin said. “I think that’s been a big thing for me this year, just trying to tell myself, ‘Hey, go out there, do your thing and let everything else take care of itself after the season.’ I don’t know when I’ll be done, but we are definitely getting closer to the end.”
Martín is 33 years old and is in the last year of his contract. Last year, he sat out most of camp while negotiating a new contract, guaranteeing his salary from last year and this year. He also modified his contract this year, saving the team more than $13 million, but putting him in a situation where the 2024 season could be his last. But it’s that mentality that Martin says is really helping him prepare this offseason.
“I think it’s just a good reminder for me to stay in the present and take advantage of this year.”
This will be a season of change for Martin, who has played with left tackle Tyron Smith his entire career. Smith signed with the Jets in free agency in March. Additionally, center Tyler Biadasz signed with Washington, meaning the Cowboys will definitely have a new left tackle and center on the offensive line that Martin will lead this year.
Martin, a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, is arguably the second-best guard in team history, behind only Larry Allen, who tragically passed away earlier this week.
One thing that has sustained Martin throughout his career has been longevity, as he missed just 11 games, including six in the 2020 season, the only year he missed the Pro Bowl.
“Yeah, I haven’t had any major injuries, just wear and tear,” Martin said. “And then I think the most important thing is… and I’m definitely still here, and that’s why I’m coming back this year… You have to be totally invested in this. You have to be locked in. I have to be obsessed with this. I think when that feeling starts to fade a little, then it’s probably time to go and do something else.”
2024-06-10 19:14:18
#closer
