When it comes to most offensive lineman heading into more than 10 seasons in the NFL, the expectation is that the thought of retirement seeks into the brain of the player due to the amount of physicality they experience every game. Dallas Cowboys star Zack Martin is going through the same thoughts as he heads into his 11th season where it could potentially be his final one according to Todd Archer of ESPN.
“I think I’d be lying if I said it has not entered my mind, right?” Martin said. “I think that’s been a big thing for me this year, just try to tell myself, ‘Hey, go out, do your thing and let anything else take care of itself after the season.’ I don’t know when I’ll be done, but it’s definitely getting closer to the end, I think it’s just a good reminder for myself to stay in the present and take advantage of this year.”
Martin talks about the “wear and tear” in his career with the Cowboys
Martin has been no doubt one of the best offensive lineman in the league for the past decade as he has seven NFL first team All-Pro honors and nine Pro Bowls. He has been a mainstay on Dallas‘ unit since throughout that time and still has only missed 13 games, but acknowledges that the “wear and tear” is very much so present.
“Yeah, I haven’t had big injuries, but just the wear and tear,” Martin said. “And then I think the big thing is — and I’m definitely still here, which is why I’m back this year — you have to be all-in on this thing. You’ve got to be locked in. You’ve got to be obsessed with it. I think when that feeling starts to fade a little bit, then it’s probably time to go and do something else.”
Martin says he is “listening” to his body entering his 11th season
The 33-year old, who turns 34 in November, has seen everything from the Cowboys throughout the past decade where other productive offensive lineman like Tyron Smith left and is now with the New York Jets. Martin remains the longest-tenured player on Dallas along with DeMarcus Lawrence who both were selected in the first and second round of the 2014 NFL Draft respectively.
According to ESPN, Martin has been limited during the Cowboys’ offseason activities like OTAs in an effort to not overwork himself before the season. Speaking of which, the Notre Dame product emphasizes how crucial it is in “listening” to his body.
“I talked with the coaches after the season, just kind of listening to my body and making sure I’m as healthy and feeling as good as I can going into Sundays,” Martin said. “So, whatever that looks like as the season progresses, we’ll adjust accordingly.”
Martin and the Cowboys are looking to improve after a first round exit in the playoffs despite a 12-5 record and winning the NFC East. They will start the upcoming season on Sunday, Sept. 8 against the Cleveland Browns on the road.
