Zack Martin, the stalwart right guard for the Dallas Cowboys, has built a remarkable career in the NFL, achieving a level of consistency and dominance that few can rival.
He announced his retirement from the NFL last week in an emotional press conference attended by many former Cowboys greats.
Martin was a cornerstone of the offensive line since being drafted in 2014, and he gained a reputation for both his physical prowess and football IQ.
As of his retirement, Martin leaves behind an extraordinary stat that many offensive linemen would envy: he never committed a holding penalty in 6,659 pass protection snaps.
This is a testament to his technical mastery and discipline in the trenches.
Zack Martin, the Artist
In football, the offensive line’s job is often the most unsung and least glamorous, yet it is also one of the most crucial to the team’s success.
Offensive linemen are tasked with protecting the quarterback, creating lanes for running backs, and maintaining the integrity of the pocket during passing plays.
Of all the possible penalties an offensive lineman could incur, holding is one of the most damaging, leading to a 10-yard loss in addition to whatever yards gained were negated by the penalty.
For an interior lineman, facing powerful defensive tackles and occasionally defensive ends twisting around on stunts, the ability to maintain leverage and control without resorting to illegal grabs is no small feat.
Holding penalties are often a result of a lineman being caught off balance or overextending. Yet, Martin navigated this perilous terrain without ever succumbing to the temptation of grabbing an opponent.
Or at least ever being caught doing it.
Precision and Technique
What sets Zack Martin apart from many other linemen is his incredible understanding of the nuances of offensive line play.
He combines elite strength with exceptional technique, which allows him to control defensive linemen with his hands and footwork instead of relying on brute force.
His ability to keep defenders in front of him, while maintaining his balance and positioning, is key to his success in avoiding holding penalties.
Martin’s technique is deeply rooted in the fundamentals of offensive line play.
He mastered the art of hand placement, using his arms to control and redirect defenders rather than engage in grappling, as less talented players tend to resort to.
His footwork is also exceptional. Martin is adept at adjusting his stance to mirror the movements of defensive linemen, ensuring he doesn’t over-extend and lose his leverage.
Martin’s ability to stay within the confines of the rules while executing his responsibilities contributed to his remarkable career.
Martin’s Legacy
For an offensive lineman, not being flagged for a holding penalty in 6,659 career pass protection snaps isn’t just a statistic.
It’s a reflection of a career defined by discipline, work ethic, and excellence.
Holding penalties are often an indication of lapses in technique, and the fact that Martin never succumbed to such errors over such an extended period showcases his professionalism and focus.
As Martin steps away from the game, this remarkable feat will be remembered as one of the highlights of his career.
In a league where penalties can alter the course of a game, Martin’s ability to avoid a holding call in pass protection for his entire career is a testament to his place among the NFL’s elite.
In the end, Zack Martin’s career is a shining example of what it means to play the game with both physicality and precision.
His retirement without ever being flagged for holding in 6,659 pass protection snaps is a fitting legacy for one of the most technically gifted offensive linemen to ever play the game.
We will miss you, #70.