Eight-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith made his debut with the Dallas Cowboys all the way back in 2011.
The USC product is considered one of the greatest players in franchise history. In addition to his eight Pro Bowl appearances, Smith has made five All-Pro teams throughout what promises to be a Hall of Fame career.
That’s why it was so much of a surprise that the Cowboys let him leave to the New York Jets in NFL free agency late last week.
A few days after agreeing to a one-year contract with the Jets, Smith took to social media to say his goodbyes to the Cowboys’ organization and its fans.
“Humbly, I don’t even know where to begin. Thirteen years is a long time to sum up in one short letter to thousands of people who have made my time in Dallas so memorable. It’s been a long and wild ride filled with plenty of ups and downs but Cowboys nation, you all have been there through it all.
To the Jones family, thank you for the amazing opportunity to play for the Cowboys and the life changing experience that my family and I will forever be grateful for. Cowboys Nation — thank you for everything. While I’m excited for this next chapter in my football career, part of my heart will forever be left in Texas. Until we meet again.”
Tyron Smith goodbye letter to the Dallas Cowboys
Smith, 33 started all 161 games in which he appeared for the Cowboys over 13 seasons. After earning seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances earlier in is career, Smith has seen injuries impact him some recently. He was limited to two games back in 2020 and four games in 2022 due to multiple injuries.
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Smith now heads to Jersey where he’ll be called on to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside moving forward. His signing comes after the Jets added right tackle Morgan Moses in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens last week.
As for the Cowboys, they will now rely on former first-round pick Tyler Smith to play left tackle moving forward.