Unexpected: Rival of the Green Bay Packers Loses Star to Retirement

Leighton Vander Esch, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and a rival of the Green Bay Packers, stated earlier today that he has chosen to retire.

The Green Bay Packers
September 18, 2022, Arlington, Texas, USA: Leighton Vander Esch, a 55-year-old linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, celebrates during the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Jerome Miron

Throughout his career, Vander-Esch has battled neck problems; in 2023, he experienced another one.

Rival LB Stats for the Green Bay Packers (USATSI 19607994)
Dec. 11, 2022, Arlington, Texas, USA: After the Dallas Cowboys’ game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (age 55) walks off the field. Raymond Carlin III of USA TODAY Sports must be given credit.

Vander-Esch was a Dallas player for six seasons.

Cowboys, with 72 appearances, 469 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. Against the Packers, he recorded eight tackles and eight assists.