has announced his retirement from the .The 28-year-old played his entire career with the , having recorded 469 tackles (269 solo), 13 tackles for a lo s and 3.5 sacks. He also defended 13 pa ses and forced three fumbles."I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that profe sional football demands. I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL," Vander Esch said in a statement. "I love the game of football so much, and my body wont cooperate any longer. I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a ble sing to play the game for as long as I have played."ADVERTISEMENT "Were proud that he wore the star on his helmet," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. A Robbie Grossman Jersey first-round pick of the team in 2018, Vander Esch, who played eight-man football at his Idaho high school, made an immediate impact with the 'Boys. He earned second-team All-Pro honors, plus a Pro Bowl bid, after posting 140 tackles, seven pa ses deflected and two picks in his rookie season.But injuries mainly a neck i sue derailed his progre sion. He first began experiencing neck ailments during his tenure at Boise State, where he began wearing a cowboy collar. He underwent corrective surgery in his second NFL season and suffered a broken collarbone in his third. The latest injury happened when he was pushed from behind in Week 5 against San Francisco last season and jammed his neck into teammate right leg.Amid injury i sues, Dallas declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract but brought him back in 2022 on a one-year deal. Vander Esch had one year remaining on a two-year contract.The A sociated Pre s contributed to this report.  FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League Dallas Cowboys Nelson Cruz Jersey