Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is calling it a career.

Per ESPN's Todd Archer, Vander Esch is retiring after six seasons due to a neck injury suffered last season that "forced him into the decision." He was released by the Cowboys last week.

Vander Esch addressed his retirement in a statement posted on Instagram.

"I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands," he wrote. "I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. I love the game of football so much, and my body won't cooperate any longer."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "We're proud that he wore the star on his helmet."

The Cowboys drafted Vander Esch with the 19th pick in the 2018 draft and he made an immediate impact, earning a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie after recording 140 total tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his promising career.

Per NFL.com's Nick Shook, Vander Esch dealt with neck issues dating back to his sophomore year at Boise State, which forced him to wear a cowboy collar for the rest of his career. His second year in the NFL was cut short after nine games after a nerve issue in his neck forced him to undergo corrective surgery. A broken collarbone limited him to 10 games in 2020.

Vander Esch enjoyed a healthy 2021 campaign but didn't perform the way he did in his first year, finishing with 77 total tackles in 17 games. He played 14 games in 2022 due to a neck stinger, and his 2023 season ended after five games when he suffered a neck injury in a 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

"Having a teammate like Leighton is something everyone on our staff and in our locker room valued greatly, and we're going to miss him," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said in a statement. "I wish Leighton, his wife Madalynn and their daughter the best and know that he's going to continue living life to the fullest."

Vander Esch finishes his career with 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback pressures, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.