NFL
Cowboys Zack Martin Retires. When Will He Be Eligible For Hall Of Fame?
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished20 Feb 2025
One of the greatest linemen in NFL history is hanging up his cleats. Dallas Cowboys Zack Martin plans to retire. When is Martin eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
When Is Zack Martin Eligible To Enter The Hall Of Fame?
Seven-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin has informed the #Cowboys that he plans to retire, sources tell The Insiders.
One of the greatest linemen of his era and a probable Pro Football Hall of Famer, Martin walks away at age 34. pic.twitter.com/M4RqV7VoB8
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 20, 2025
Per NFL Network’s The Insiders, Martin has informed the Cowboys he intends to retire.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that Martin met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Thursday to speak about his retirement.
Martin, 34, played all 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys selected Martin out of Notre Dame with the No. 16 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Martin immediately became one of the best guards in the NFL, making the All-Rookie Team in 2014.
Martin has garnered nearly every award a lineman can win throughout his career. The talented guard made nine Pro Bowls in 11 seasons.
Martin has seven first-team All-Pro and two second-team All-Pro selections. His seven first-team All-Pro selections are tied with Bob Lilly and Randy White for the most in Cowboys history (via Todd Archer).
Martin was one of four guards selected to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Martin’s next stop is Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There is a five-year waiting period to be eligible, meaning Martin can be voted into the Hall of Fame as early as 2030.
Nobody in Cowboys' history has more first-team All-Pro selections than Zack Martin. His seven are tied with Bob Lilly and Randy White.
Only Lilly (11), Jason Witten (11), Larry Allen (10) and Mel Renfro (10) have more Pro Bowl selections as a Cowboy.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) February 20, 2025
Dallas Cowboys Left With Massive Need At Guard
The offensive line that the Dallas Cowboys had in 2014 or 2016 should have won a title.
No rings for Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, or Zack Martin should cause Jerry to turn in his GM title.
— John Williams (@john9williams) February 20, 2025
With Martin retiring, the Cowboys must find his replacement.
The offensive line was one of the team’s biggest needs coming into this offseason.
The Cowboys hold the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many pundits expect Dallas to select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Martin’s retirement could change their draft approach, as the Jones family may elect to build a team from the inside out.
