Leighton Vander Esch posts touching message to Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys decided to part ways with popular linebacker Leighton Vander Esch after six seasons with the team, and it wouldn't be long afterward that he announced his retirement from professional football owing to medical reasons despite being just 28 years of age.  

But he couldn't bid farewell without releasing a touching message to his former Cowboys teammates. 

"To my exceptional teammates, former and current, I owe you everything. I look forward to addressing you formally and privately later, but please know that I love and respect all of you, and not having the opportunity to be around you is what will hurt most of all. 

"Forming friendships and unbreakable bonds of trust on the field is what makes football so special and so important to me. When reminiscing on my NFL career, I will think about all the games won and lost, plays made or missed. I know I will think about you and the time we shared together, the trust and love we had for each other and the unwavering willingness we had to help each other succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.''

He also had a special shout out to the fans of the Cowboys, singling out their "passion": 

"The dedication and passion the fans display has been inspiring.''

And to say that Micah Parsons is going to miss him as a teammate would be an understatement, as he posted the following to his social media account:

How much are you going to miss having Vander Esch with the team next year? 

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