What happens when an NFL great pulls back the curtain after retirement? You get stories no opponent could ever hear during the heat of battle. Golden information that makes the opponents go “oh snap! Wish I knew that before!” In Zack Martin’s case, he’s revealed a rare vulnerability—straight from the man who rarely ever got beaten.
Martin’s name is synonymous with dominance. 11 seasons in Dallas. He anchored one of the league’s top offensive lines, protecting quarterbacks and paving lanes with precision. But now, as he transitions into life after football, Martin is reflecting on moments even he didn’t always win—and sharing a secret he kept locked away during his playing days.
In a post shared on X by Brandon Loree, Zack Martin opened up, saying. “I always hated it when someone could get me going inside and then work back outside,” Martin admitted during the latest episode of Green Light with Chris Long, a clip of which was shared by Brandon. “Cause I played pretty top heavy. I was kind of a headbutt guy—I’d get my head on them and snap into it. So a little stutter inside, then back out, that would be the move I’d tell someone.” It’s rare to hear such candid self-analysis from a player of Martin’s caliber—especially one with his stats. He wasn’t just good, nope. He was elite. Nine Pro Bowls. Seven First-Team All-Pro honors. Over 11,000 snaps. Only seven accepted holding calls. These aren’t numbers. This is straight up Hall of Fame.
#Cowboys Zack Martin spoils the secret of what it took to beat him one-on-one.
The same question countless defensive linemen have been trying to answer for years is revealed.
(: @greenlight on YT) https://t.co/vajA60sqdT pic.twitter.com/Eb9SK6Sfka
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) April 11, 2025
While fans saw the mauler on Sundays, teammates saw the wizard who elevated everyone around him. Dak Prescott flourished behind him, and Ezekiel Elliott’s best years came running behind Martin’s blocks. Whether it’s a zone run or protecting in crucial passing situations, Martin’s presence? Reliable and consistent. Unfortunately, injuries caught up with him. A lingering ankle issue in 2024 put him on injured reserve, and after 11 hard-fought years, Martin decided 2025 would be his curtain call. “Obviously, I wish we could’ve gone all the way,” he admitted about his career. “Everyone kind of has this fairy tale ending to a career, and you think you’re going to walk off the field drenched in sweat after a hard-fought game. Unfortunately, I was in sweatpants walking off the field.”
Dak Prescott’s words about Martin resonate with us as well. “He’s the ultimate leader – He leads by example. He doesn’t have to say much, and when he does, you’re all ears. It’s a guy who you can’t replace. You just can’t replace him with one guy. It’s going to take myself and a bunch of other guys, and I’m not even talking about just on the field. I’m talking about the leadership he brings off of the field.”
With Martin hanging up his cleats, the Cowboys have a big gap to fill. Dallas has a solid track record when it comes to spotting and grooming top-tier O-linemen, but replacing a guy like Martin isn’t just about finding talent—it’s about finding someone who can live up to the standard he set and keep that legacy going.
Cowboys vs. Patriots: the fight for star prospect
With Zack Martin officially retiring, the Cowboys are staring at a major void in their offensive front—one that’s more than just about filling a position. It’s about replacing a tone setter. A walking blueprint for how to dominate in the trenches. That kind of presence doesn’t come around often, and as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Dallas also knows they’ll need to get this right.
One name that is quickly rising to the top of their draft board? LSU’s Will Campbell. But they’re not alone—sitting three picks ahead at No. 21, the New England Patriots are reportedly eyeing the same target. According to Blogging The Boys, the Cowboys have already considered trading up from No. 24 to secure Campbell, knowing full well that if they wait, he might just get snatched away.
Campbell isn’t just any tackle. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, he’s got all the tools to be an instant contributor in the NFL. He’s got quick feet, heavy hands, and most importantly, he’s battle-tested in the SEC—college football’s closest thing to the pros. While Martin operated as a guard, Campbell’s versatility and physical profile make him a candidate to either shift inside or offer Dallas flexibility up front.
“We’ll have to step it up and fill that void,” Prescott said in an interview, “[Martin] is loved and appreciated, and you look at the stat about his holding penalties and that speaks for itself. He’s a first-ballot guy. Incredible, incredible career.” But the stakes go beyond just talent. Martin’s retirement, also combined with Dallas’ quieter-than-usual free agency, places even more weight on this draft. The team’s offensive line is its foundation. Protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for running backs like Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott before him. Now, with Martin gone, the rebuild isn’t just necessary—it’s urgent.
And this year’s draft class doesn’t make things easy. Beyond Campbell, the pool of pro-ready interior linemen is reading pretty thin. If the Patriots snag Campbell early, Dallas may need to pivot fast. If they can’t get Campbell, who would they choose? This makes the potential tug-of-war with New England even more critical.
There’s also a symbolic layer here. For over a decade, Martin was the heartbeat of the Cowboys’ line—always dependable, rarely penalized, and quietly dominant. In 162 games, he was flagged for holding just seven times. He didn’t just play the position; he also redefined it. Now, as the Cowboys face the challenge of life after No. 70, their draft decision could shape the coming years of Dallas football. Will Campbell may not be the next Zack Martin, but he could be the start of something new. And with the Patriots lurking, Dallas has little room for error.
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