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Dak Prescott Reacts To Longtime Cowboys Star's Retirement

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 4:16 PM ET

Dak Prescott's longtime blindside protector is hanging up his cleats this week.

On Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that offensive tackle Tyron Smith would be signing a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys in order to retire as a member of the organization. Smith, who wore the star on his helmet for 13 seasons, will hold an official press conference at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Smith was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of USC. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Smith made seven-straight Pro Bowls from 2013-19 and eight overall.

He also was named All-Pro five times, including two first-team selections. Injuries limited Smith's availability greatly from 2016 on, but he remained one of the best in the game every time he took the field.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tyron Smith #77 of the Dallas Cowboys in action during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

After news broke that Smith was leaving the game, Prescott took to his Instagram story to share a picture of the future Hall of Famer along with a congratulatory message.

“I always got your Back, as you had Mine! Enjoy retirement!" Prescott wrote.

In 14 NFL seasons, including his 2024 campaign with the New York Jets, Smith started 171 regular season games.

He was also a part of six playoff teams, all with the Cowboys.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Tyron Smith #77 of the Dallas Cowboys takes the field before the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Getty Images.

"Thirteen years sure is a long time to sum up in one short letter to thousands of people who have made my time in Dallas so memorable," Smith wrote last March after signing with the Jets. "It's been a long and wild ride with filled with plenty of ups and downs but Cowboy Nation, you all have been there through it all.

"Cowboy Nation--thank you for everything. While I'm excited for this next part of my football career, part of my heart will forever be left in Texas. Until we meet again..."

Smith is the second former Cowboys offensive line stalwart to retire this offseason, joining guard Zack Martin.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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