Offensive tackle Tyron Smith has announced his retirement from the NFL and plans to sign a one-day contract to retire as a Dallas Cowboy.
Smith spent the last season of his career with the New York Jets after playing for the Cowboys for the first 13 seasons of his NFL career. During that time, he was an eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro offensive tackle.
The Cowboys selected Smith as the ninth pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California, and he immediately became a starter at right tackle for Dallas in his rookie season.
This selection marked the first time Cowboys Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones selected an offensive lineman in the first round since he bought the team in 1989, according to Cowboys.com.
Smith spent just one season on the right side before transitioning to left tackle, which is widely considered one of the two most important positions along the offensive line.
Although injuries slightly hindered Smith’s ability to stay on the field during the second half of his career, he was dominant when healthy and helped to anchor some of the best offensive lines in the league.
These performances helped multiple Dallas running backs lead the league in rushing yards, with Ezekiel Elliott leading the league twice and DeMarco Murray leading the league once, per Cowboys.com.
Smith was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, making him one of just four total offensive linemen to be named to the team.
Smith is expected to hold a press conference at The Star in Frisco at 2 p.m. on Wednesday to sign the contract and officially retire from the NFL.
This retirement comes shortly after offensive guard Zack Martin announced his retirement from the league after spending 11 seasons with the Cowboys, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Smith and Martin could be selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when they become eligible in 2030. Both players are expected to be honored in the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor in that same year.