One of the greatest to ever put on a Cowboys uniform, a first ballot Hall of Famer has finally said goodbye to the game of football.
A five-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, Tyron Smith was drafted ninth overall by the Cowboys in the 2011 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as the premier left tackle in the game.
He signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2010’s Team, Smith signed a one-year deal with the Jets last offseason to play what we now know is his final season.
Among those attending Tyron Smith’s retirement announcement: HC Brian Schottenheimer, HOF Demarcus Ware, former HV Jason Garrett, Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, Tyler Smith, Tyler Guyton, Brock Hoffman pic.twitter.com/2rBLmMjk7Q
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) April 16, 2025
While he battled through some injury issues, Smith played 10 games for the Jets in 2024. He has now signed a one-day contract to retire with the Dallas Cowboys.
One Of The Best
Smith completed all 171 career games he played and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times over the course of his 14-year playing career.
Additionally, Smith was named an All-Pro five times, to the 2010s NFL All-Decade Team, and the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Smith is a lock for the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor after his five-year waiting window is completed.
Smith’s announcement comes just two months after All-Pro guard and Cowboys teammate Zack Martin announced his retirement from the NFL.
The news marks the end of an era for Dallas Cowboys greats and the anchors of one of the best offensive line groups in modern football history.
Final Goodbye
On Wednesday, the Cowboys held a press conference for the legendary offensive lineman who already has a guaranteed spot in the franchise’s Ring of Honor with a Hall of Fame induction likely to follow as soon as 2030.
Plenty of shutouts were given by the soon-to-be Hall of Famer. But none were more heartfelt than Smith taking a few moments to speak about quarterback Dak Prescott.
Jerry Jones credits taking Tyron Smith as the 9th overall pick with changing the team’s thought process about drafting OL in first round. They drafted Zack Martin and Travis Frederick with first-rounders soon afterward — and also Tyler Smith, the next great one per Tyron. pic.twitter.com/ZYHm6LMMdc
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) April 16, 2025
Their relationship goes past the football field as Smith says they are “lifelong friends.”
He said Dak cares about everyone in the locker room, and it is good to hear that from a guy like Smith.
I know Dak hasn’t gotten it done yet, but I’m pulling for him as long as he is the quarterback of the team I root for.
According to Nick Harris: “DeMarcus Ware, Jason Garrett, Zack Martin, La’el Collins, Tyler Biadasz, the whole current OL room, Micah Parsons, more current Cowboys and others” all attended Smith’s press conference.
Whenever a Cowboys’ legend hangs it up, the same thing comes to mind. Dang I wish he could have gotten a ring to go with it.
This front office has produced a lot of great offensive linemen, but Smith was that dude for his entire career. He was a gentle giant, even when you heard him talk, he did it in a soft tone.
I am hoping that Tyler Smith will be the next great offensive lineman, but let’s hope he ends his career with a ring, something that Tyron, Martin and Travis Fredrick couldn’t do.
Tyron Smith took a moment during his retirement press conference to acknowledge Dak Prescott specifically:
"I also want to recognize Dak Prescott."
"One of the best teammates I ever had. Dak cares deeply about everyone in the locker room, and he's more than a teammate. He's a… pic.twitter.com/xKFKUC9It5
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) April 16, 2025
They had plenty of great teams, but unfortunately, this team just can’t get it done when it matters.
Nonetheless, I hope to see Smith in the game of football. He seems like he would be a great guy to coach, coaching some young players who have no developed their talent on the line yet.
I hate to see a great player retire, let alone one that I grew up with. Thanks for everything Tyron, this offensive line could really use you in your prime right now, heck I would probably even take you now!