Time Flies: Tyron Smith’s Retirement Marks the End of an Era for the Cowboys

Introduction: A Reflective Moment on Time and Tyron Smith’s Legacy

At 25 years old, I’m finally starting to understand what, as a kid, seemed like an overused quote: “Time sure flies.” That’s exactly what I can’t help but think about as Tyron Smith, one of the cornerstones of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, announces his retirement from the NFL. On Wednesday, the Cowboys will hold a press conference to officially mark the end of an era as Smith signs a one-day deal to retire in the silver and navy colors he wore throughout his illustrious career.

Smith, alongside longtime teammate Zack Martin, is now part of this year’s retiree class, and both will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2030. With the kind of dominance they exhibited on the field, it’s hard to imagine they won’t both be first-ballot inductees. Their careers symbolize a period of Cowboys football that, despite being consistently strong, struggled to translate dominance into playoff success. Time truly does fly, and as we reflect on their legacy, we are left wondering which current Cowboys player could follow in their Hall of Fame footsteps.

Smith and Martin: A Dominant Duo That Defined the Cowboys’ Offensive Line

For over a decade, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin anchored one of the most formidable offensive lines in NFL history. Together, they helped establish the Cowboys’ offensive identity, allowing the team to run the ball effectively and protect quarterbacks. While the team failed to capitalize on their dominance in the playoffs for years, Smith and Martin’s individual brilliance cannot be understated.

Smith, with his incredible skill and athleticism, set the standard for left tackles, while Martin’s versatility and consistency made him one of the league’s most reliable guards. Together, they formed a wall that gave the Cowboys a competitive edge, and now, as they prepare to retire, their future in Canton seems all but guaranteed. It’s a bittersweet reminder of just how quickly careers can pass by.

Dak Prescott’s Intriguing Question About His Future

As I reflect on the legacies of Smith and Martin, I can’t help but recall a fascinating question raised by Dak Prescott recently. As the Cowboys’ quarterback navigates his own career, he’s thinking deeply about his future and what it will take for him to join the Hall of Fame conversation. Prescott’s remarks got me thinking: Who on the current Cowboys roster could be next to have their bust displayed in Canton?

Here’s my list of the top three candidates currently on the roster, in order, who might find themselves heading to the Hall of Fame in the future.

Micah Parsons: A Future Hall of Famer in the Making

In just four years in the league, Micah Parsons has already established himself as one of the most disruptive defensive forces in the NFL. With two First-Team All-Pro selections under his belt and the ability to rush the passer with a versatility that few players can match, Parsons is well on his way to becoming one of the best players in NFL history. If he continues on this trajectory, it’s not out of the question to see Parsons in the Hall of Fame sooner rather than later. His combination of speed, power, and intelligence could make him one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game.

CeeDee Lamb: A Rising Star with Hall of Fame Potential

CeeDee Lamb has already proven himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league. With three All-Pro honors, including a First-Team selection, Lamb has made an immediate impact for the Cowboys since joining the team. In 2023, he finished third in Offensive Player of the Year voting, and if he continues at this pace, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he doesn’t eventually receive a gold bust in Canton. Lamb’s route running, hands, and ability to make big plays in critical moments make him one of the most exciting receivers in the league, and he’s only getting started.

Tyler Smith: The Potential for Greatness at Guard

Tyler Smith is a bit of a projection, but his flashes of dominance early in his career suggest that he could be a future Hall of Famer if he continues to develop. In just his second season, Smith earned a Second-Team All-Pro selection, showing that he has the talent and work ethic to be one of the best in the game. As a guard, he has the potential to become a key figure on the Cowboys’ offensive line for years to come. If Smith can keep up his level of play and continue earning All-Pro honors, he could find himself among the league’s elite players and potentially on a path to the Hall of Fame.

Conclusion: The Cowboys’ Future Hall of Famers

As we say goodbye to Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, it’s hard not to think about what’s next for the Dallas Cowboys. While it’s always bittersweet to see legends retire, it’s exciting to consider the next wave of players who could join them in Canton. Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith are all primed to build on the legacies of the team’s greats, and if they continue to perform at a high level, there’s no reason why they can’t achieve the same kind of success in their careers.

For now, the Cowboys’ Hall of Fame hopefuls are still writing their stories, but time sure does fly, and soon enough, we’ll be watching the next wave of Cowboys legends take their place in football history.