Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin credits his parents, Pam and Keith Martin, for his successful NFL career.
As the NFL star announces his retirement, it is a moment to celebrate his illustrious career and acknowledge the support he received from his parents throughout his journey.
Highlights
- Throughout his journey, Zack Martin received unwavering support from his parents, Pam and Keith Martin, and his brothers, Nick and Josh.
- His contract restructuring last offseason also provided salary cap relief for the Cowboys upon his retirement.
- During his last two seasons, he played through several injuries, including a major ankle injury in 2024.
Zack Martin is regarded as one of the greatest offensive guards of all time, known for his exceptional performance on the field.
Beginning his professional career in 2014, he quickly made a name for himself in the league with his performance.
Over the past decade, he has dedicated his life to football, achieving remarkable success in the NFL.
Throughout his journey, his parents and family have been a constant source of support, standing by him through thick and thin.
With the news of his retirement spreading, fans have voiced both their sadness over his departure and their heartfelt appreciation for his extraordinary career.
Zack Martin Bids Farewell To His Legendary Career, As He Leaves A Legacy Of Excellence
Martin recently announced his retirement from the NFL after an impressive 11-year career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Zack, who was beloved among teammates for his exceptional dedication and teamwork, leaves a significant void in the Cowboys’ offensive line.
Throughout his career, he earned numerous accolades, including seven All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances.
His seven times as a first-team All-Pro pick is tied for the most in team history with Lilly and Hall of Famer Randy White.
9x Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin has informed the Cowboys he plans to retire after 11 seasons. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet, and @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/45g10c6WTD
— NFL (@NFL) February 20, 2025
Additionally, he was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team from 2010 to 2020, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated offensive linemen.
In 2024, Zack’s playing time was limited due to an ankle injury that required surgery.
Despite this setback, he continued to play through multiple injuries over the last two seasons until he no longer had the strength to continue.
Martin has also expressed a desire to prioritize his health, which influenced his decision to retire.
In the last offseason, he restructured his contract, providing the Cowboys with salary cap relief if he chose to retire in 2025.
As a result, the Cowboys can designate him as a post-June 1 cut, meaning he will count $9.4 million against the cap in 2025 and $17 million against the 2026 cap.
Brock Hoffman admirably filled in for Martin last season, but the Cowboys may explore options to find a long-term replacement for Martin.
Zack, Along With His Brothers, Nick And Josh Followed In Their Father’s Footsteps
Zack developed an interest in football since a young age and his parents, Pam and Keith Martin were supportive of his dreams.
Keith played college football as a defensive tackle at Kentucky University and has significantly influenced Zack’s football career.
Pam, on the other hand, has always been his biggest critic, as she previously served as a student trainer at Kentucky, where she met Keith. She has even said:
We have always offered constructive criticism to each other in our family, It has never been exactly a love fest when we talk about sports. We like to point things out.
Pam Martin
At one of his rookie training seasons at Valley Ranch, Zack even admitted how tough his mom was saying:
My mother was tougher than my father, She always had her two cents to put in after a game.
Zack Martin
Zack grew up with his older brother Josh and younger brother Nick, both of whom shared a passion for sports.
The brothers played together as kids, and Josh and Zach even played together for one season in high school.
Additionally, the boys received much of their fatherly guidance from their dad, who was pleased to see how quickly his children learned.
Nonetheless, the Martin family has always been there to celebrate each other’s victories and support one another through challenges.
Additional Information
- Zack played for the University of Notre Dame as an offensive tackle, where he was named MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl in his senior year.
- The Dallas Cowboys selected him as the 16th pick of the first round in the 2014 NFL draft as offensive guard.
- Marin attended the Saint Matthew Catholic School in Indiana with his brother, Nick.
