11 seasons. All in Dallas. Or, as some might say, all in Jerry Jones’ world. Let that sink in. Hats off to Zack Martin for not just surviving the pro football grind under such conditions but also thriving in it, becoming one of the most consistent and dominant guards in league history.

Meanwhile, now, as the dust settles on his retirement, the Cowboys are left with a bittersweet reality: a legend’s departure and a $26 million headache to Jerry Jones’ plans (if there was any!).

ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys officially released Martin with a June 1 designation, a move expected after last year’s contract restructure. The financial fallout? Martin will count roughly $9 million against the cap this year and a staggering $17 million in 2025.

For a team already navigating cap constraints, this is a gut punch. Especially for Jerry Jones… He was the one who called Martin with that life-changing 214 area code. But that’s life. Now, JJ faces the daunting task of managing the financial aftermath of the same guy’s exit.

Let’s rewind for a moment. When Dallas drafted Martin 16th overall in 2014, he got that fateful call from Jonesy. As Martin wrote in The Players’ Tribune, “I was the Spongebob meme. Everything went blurry and was swirling around.” Tony Romo followed up with his trademark charm: “Can’t wait to have you here.” And Martin delivered, becoming the heart of the Cowboys’ offensive line for over a decade.

But loyalty in the NFL comes at a price. After a training camp holdout last year, Martin signed a restructured two-year, $36.85 million deal, fully guaranteed through 2024. The Cowboys pushed money into void years to ease the immediate cap hit, but now the bill is due. And it’s a hefty one.

In simple words: It’s the Brotherhood turned Burden

However, there’s still the sweet part in the bitterness left and that’s Martin’s farewell message in The Players’ Tribune: “We could not have gotten through that dark time without the brotherhood of football. Without the city of Dallas. Without the love from all of you.” He leaves behind a legacy of toughness, leadership, and commitment.

Jerry Jones doesn’t care about the $26 million, he respects Zack Martin

Jerry Jones has made a lot of big decisions in his time as Cowboys owner. Some good, some… let’s just say, less than ideal. But if you ask him? The best decision he ever made wasn’t signing a superstar or pulling off some blockbuster trade. Nope. Rather, it was listening to his son and not drafting Johnny Manziel.

So, that 2014 draft night could have been a disaster. Jones, like a lot of people, was caught up in the Manziel hype. The guy was electric at Texas A&M—how do you not consider him? Well, Stephen Jones made sure his dad didn’t. He literally kicked Jerry under the table to stop him from calling Manziel’s name. Instead, Dallas went with Zack Martin, a lineman out of Notre Dame. And yeah, that turned out pretty well.

Martin played 11 seasons, made first-team All-Pro seven times, and barely ever got flagged. Meanwhile, Manziel’s NFL career lasted two seasons and 14 games before fizzling out. Jones admits it now: “Best ‘right’ decision I’ve ever made.” But if you’re wondering how close they were to going the other way? Stephen Jones said when Jerry asked the draft room who wanted Manziel over Martin, nobody spoke up. Not one person. That says everything.

Fast forward to today, and Martin has officially retired. The Cowboys legend leaves behind a ridiculous resume—nine Pro Bowls, a spot on the 2010s All-Decade team, and a guaranteed ticket to the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor. Probably Canton, too. And let’s not forget this stat: in 11,184 snaps, he got flagged for holding seven times. Seven! That’s the same number as his first-team All-Pro selections. That’s absurd.

Martin summed it up perfectly: “I hope I left as much of an impression on this organization as it did on me.” No question, Zack. You did. And as for Jerry Jones? He might have a few bruises on his leg from that draft night, but there’s no doubt—he’s glad he listened (maybe the first and the last time he ever did!).