Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee is retiring from the NFL after 11 years, ending a career that saw him become a fan-favorite in Dallas.
Lee shared the news with ESPN’s Todd Archer, with the decision coming after another injury-riddled season for the 34-year-old linebacker.
A second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Lee saw the field immediately as a rookie. He recorded 26 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and forced a fumble in 14 games.
Related: NFL mock draft 2023 – CJ Stroud, Bryce Young headline outstanding 2023 NFL Draft class
Dallas made him its starting inside linebacker to open the 2011 season and he thrived. Unfortunately, it would also be the first year where injuries became a problem for him. He dislocated his wrist midway through the year, but managed to play through it and finished with a career-high four interceptions in 15 games.
Lee played in just six games the following year, suffering a season-ending toe injury on Oct. 12, 2012, He rebounded in 2013, signing a six-year contract worth $42 million and rewarded the Cowboys with his outstanding play in the middle of the defense.
Read More: Dallas Cowboys unlikely to trade up in 2021 NFL Draft: Best Round 1 scenarios
Unfortunately, Lee missed the 2014 season with a torn ACL. He returned to the field in 2015, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. In 2016, Lee was named first-team All-Pro and was widely viewed as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
Lee’s final four seasons would be defined by injuries. From 2017-’20, he missed 21 games with a variety of lower-body strains. In his final season, Lee suffered a groin injury and underwent surgery. He played in just nine games, recording just 20 total tackles.
Dallas Cowboys mock draft: Latest 7-round 2021 NFL Draft projection with trades