Former USC Trojans standout and Dallas Cowboys legend Tyron Smith has declared that he will sign a one-day contract to officially retire from the NFL as a Dallas Cowboy. This announcement comes after a remarkable career spanning over ten years. Despite enduring numerous injuries that could have ended his career, Smith ascended to become one of the finest tackles in NFL history. He retires as one of the most esteemed players in the Cowboys’ history, celebrated for his professionalism and business-like approach on and off the field.

Smith played for the University of Southern California Trojans from 2008 to 2010, participating in 34 games with at least 24 starts. According to the program’s website, he was named All-Pac-10 in 2010, earned an All-Pac-10 honorable mention in 2009, and was recognized as a CollegeFootballNews.com Sophomore All-American honorable mention. Smith was selected ninth overall in the renowned 2011 NFL Draft. “I always got your back, as you had mine,” expressed Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott on his Instagram story, showing support for his close teammate.

Throughout his 14-year career, Smith played in all 171 games and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times. He also earned All-Pro honors five times, was included in the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, and made the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Smith is expected to be a sure candidate for the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor after the mandatory five-year waiting period.

Smith’s retirement announcement follows just two months after All-Pro guard and Cowboys teammate Zack Martin also retired from the NFL. This news signals the conclusion of an era for the Dallas Cowboys, marking the retirement of key players who formed one of the best offensive lines in modern football history, alongside former All-Pro Travis Frederick, who retired early due to illness.

The trio has officially stepped away from the game. “Around two months after Zack Martin’s retirement, Tyron Smith is set to do the same on Wednesday, after signing a ceremonial one-day deal with the Cowboys, the team that drafted him in 2011. Combined, Martin and Smith have 17 Pro Bowl appearances and will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2030,” reported ESPN’s Cowboys correspondent Todd Archer.