FRISCO – There is a special relationship between the quarterback and his left tackle – the man who protects his “blind side”.
That relationship was on full display in Frisco as legendary Dallas Cowboys’ left tackle Tyron Smith announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons, the first 13 of which spent in Dallas.
Smith reflected specifically on his memories with QB Dak Prescott, whom he protected for the majority of that time.
“Over the years, the Cowboys became more than just a team. They became family,” Smith said during his opening statement.
“I also want to recognize Dak Prescott. One of the best teammates I ever had.
“Dak cared deeply about everyone in the locker room, and he’s more than a teammate, he’s a lifelong friend. I will always have your back.
“You will always be QB1 to me.”
Smith, drafted No. 9 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, spent eight seasons with Prescott, who was drafted in 2016 and became the immediate starter that season.
During the five seasons leading up to Prescott taking over, Smith held down the offensive line for quarterback Tony Romo, a longtime centerpiece that many consider another franchise player.
Prescott, however, made a lasting impact on Smith’s career outside of just his outstanding play on the field.
“I just feel like over the years we had built a strong relationship. And I feel like as friends and as teammates we’ve accomplished so much.
“As for what we accomplished, I’ve never had that feeling before and for what everybody put into it, we just had fun.”
Smith continued: “We made the game fun and it didn’t have to be something that was difficult, just go out there and play and enjoy the game. That’s what our group just had.”
Smith retires as a five-time All-Pro selection and eight-time Pro Bowler. He received 1st Team All-Pro honors in 2014 and 2016, the latter being Dak’s rookie season where he earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Prescott was in attendance at the retirement ceremony wearing a hat that appropriately read “LINEMEN”. He looked on with a supportive smile as Smith discussed what it means to be surrounded by his former teammates on this special day.
“It just means a lot and it’s hard to put everything into words with how it means to be for everybody to be here,” Tyron said.
“They’re family. They’re my brothers. It’s a relationship for life.”
In a montage of videos shown that chronicled Smith’s career with the Cowboys, Prescott was quoted saying how Tyron Smith was one of the best left tackles in the game.
Owner Jerry Jones agrees by emphasizing there is “no question” that Smith will be immortalized with Cowboys legends in the Ring of Honor – before his stop in Canton – very soon.
