Tyron Smith sends message to Jerry Jones and family and shares emotional goodbye to Dallas Cowboys

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The Dallas Cowboys are being forced to keep a box of tissues close by with some emotional departures in the offseason.

Leighton Vander Esch confirmed on Monday that he would be retiring from the NFL.

The linebacker was forced to deal with multiple neck injuries and his 2023 season was ended in October.

Moreover, the 28-year-old was relieved from his contract – with one year left – with the inside intel of knowing he was retiring and a way of freeing up cap space.

Cowboys release Smith after 13 years

Additionally, America’s Team also made the executive decision to not provide Tyron Smith with a new deal.

Smith landed in free agency for the first time in his NFL career.

The 33-year-old veteran is no longer a Cowboy come 2024 after 13 years.

Smith was one of the top offensive line tackles in the 2011 NFL Draft and has called Dallas his home since.

Ian Rapoport has described Smith as a ‘Ring of Honor’ caliber player.

Unfortunately, the wear and tear on Smith has started to show, and has been extremely injury-prone.

He was sidelined with major injuries in the 2020 and 2022 seasons, managing to play only six games across both.

Over the last four seasons, Smith has only managed to be healthy for 55% of those games.

The loyalty that Smith has demonstrated towards the Cowboys is admirable and he is gutted to be leaving the franchise.

Smith starts a new life in New York

The New York Jets have landed his signature in free agency and tied him down to a one-year deal worth up to $20 million with incentives.

Undoubtedly very emotional, the 33-year-old took to Instagram to share a departing message with Cowboys Nation.

He stated: “I loved being a Cowboy and establishing relationships over the year with people who will always be a part of my life.”

Smith said he was ‘grateful’ for the opportunity Jerry Jones and his family provided.

The final paragraph was probably the most touching, as he acknowledges he was moving on.

Smith closed the message by saying: “Cowboy Nation – thank you for everything.

“While I’m excited for this next chapter of my football career, part of my heart will forever be left in Texas. Until we meet again.”

The legendary era of Tyron Smith has been sealed with his emotional goodbye.

Ultimately, the future Hall of Famer will always hold a place in the franchise’s heart and will always be welcomed back with open arms.