Dak Prescott has paid tribute to longtime blindside protector Tyron Smith, who is hanging up his cleats.
Smith will sign a ceremonial deal with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday so he can retire with the team that took him as the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Smith has signed a one-day deal in order to retire with the CowboysGettyThe eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle played 12 of his 13 seasons in Dallas, before ending his career with the New York Jets in 2024.
While injuries limited Smith’s availability from 2016 onwards, he remained one of the best in the game, and protected Prescott‘s blindside for eight years.
After news broke that Smith was set to retire, the Cowboys quarterback took to Instagram to pay tribute to his former teammate.
He shared a picture of the future Hall of Famer, along with a message of congratulations.
“I always got your back, as you had mine,” Prescott wrote, having also sent a passionate four-word message to another departing teammate earlier this month.
“Enjoy retirement!”
During his time with the Cowboys and Jets, Smith started 171 regular season games, and made the playoffs six times with Dallas.
He will be eligible to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2030.
Smith was a Day 1 starter who quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s best blindside blockers.
He began his career by protecting Tony Romo in Dallas, before Prescott took over as the team’s franchise starter in 2016.
Smith notably played alongside Romo, Prescott and Rodgers during his NFL careerGetty Prescott paid tribute to his longtime protector, and thanked Smith for having his backGettySmith finished his career with Aaron Rodgers, who is also said to be weighing up a surprising retirement decision, as his quarterback in New York.
“What an unbelievable career for this man! Hall of Famer,” one fan wrote, responding to news of the 34-year-old’s retirement
“Thank you 77! Enjoy Canton,” another said.
“First ballot,” a third fan concluded.
Smith was the crown jewel in some excellent offensive lines that also included fellow retirees Zack Martin and Travis Frederick, who both played their entire careers with the Cowboys.
The left tackle’s stock was so high, that in 2011, he became the first O-lineman selected in the first round by Dallas since 1981.
In 2011, Smith became the first O-lineman drafted by the Cowboys since 1981Getty Prescott sent a message of congratulations to Smith on InstagramInstagram: _4dakIn the next three years, the Cowboys selected Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick (2013) and Martin (2014) in the first round, forming one of the best protections in the NFL.
While Smith went on to play for another team, he has retired as a Cowboy after signing a one-day honorary contract, and brings the curtain down on one of the best O-line trios the Cowboys have ever had.
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