Cowboys guard Zack Martin: Retirement in 'realm of possibilities' after 2024 season

Dallas Cowboys star guard Zack Martin acknowledged that 2024 could be his final campaign.

While avoiding making a definitive statement about his future, Martin told Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News that he’s considered retiring in 2025.

“Although I’m not asserting it with absolute certainty, I believe it’s certainly plausible,” Martin remarked. “That’s something I want to avoid. I don’t wish to dwell on thoughts like ‘This is the end.’ My focus is to stay present, to perform my best at this point, and to be the right guard this team requires week after week. After the season, we can determine what’s happening.”

The nine-time Pro Bowler, Martin, has rightfully earned the privilege to retire on his own terms. Since his NFL entry in 2014, he has consistently proven himself as one of the most brilliant players.

Even though Martin was named a first-team All-Pro for the seventh time in 2023, he stated that he didn’t perform to his own standards of excellence.

“Last year, I don’t believe my performance was up to my usual standard,” admitted Martin. “That’s partly why I’m determined to end this year on a high note. I’m confident that I can still deliver a high-level performance. I feel like I fell short last year, and that has given me even more motivation to return to the consistent, dominant form I’m known for.”

Martin will be 34 in November, marking the last year of his contract. Despite his age, his performance has not declined, suggesting he could continue playing for several more years if he wishes. However, he might choose to retire before his physical condition and gameplay potentially start to degrade.

Last offseason, Martin held out for a contract adjustment. He eventually got the pay bump in mid-August but said the lack of training camp and appropriate ramp-up hindered his play.

“He explained, “In the past few years, including last year when I was dealing with contract issues, and other years when I was dealing with injuries during training camp, I didn’t get enough practice. It’s difficult to describe, but it often feels like I’m constantly trying to catch up.”

Last year, I found myself arriving just a few weeks before the season started, struggling to keep up. I was scrambling to get in the right conditioning shape and to coordinate with my teammates I’d be playing alongside. I’m thrilled this year, however, to be able to attend training camp and find my rhythm before the season kicks off.

That grind off training camp and a long season causes some veterans to consider retiring before the league pushes them out the door. After the Cowboys watched Tyron Smith leave for New York this season, it would be doubly difficult to see Martin retire in 2025. But the future Hall of Famer has earned the right to go out on whatever terms he desires.

Cowboys fans should appreciate every pancake block if 2024 is his last year.