The Dallas Cowboys used to be impervious at home, in part because of Hall of Fame caliber offensive linemen like Zack Martin up front. The 2024 season is different, because the Cowboys are making a habit of getting punked at home with guys like Martin are clearly on the decline.
Monday's loss to the Houston Texans, 34-10, contributed to a six-game home losing streak. It also represented all that's wrong with the Cowboys. Staying on theme, AT&T Stadium was literally falling apart before kickoff as metal debris fell down from the roof. The vibes weren't better by gametime. A crowd with heavy Texans presence watched as Houston toyed with the home team before well and truly blowing them out.
The Texans finished the night with five sacks, one of which came at the expense of Martin. The perennial All-Pro got beat so bad, even Cowboys fans had to admit he might be cooked.
Hate seeing Zack Martin go out like this. pic.twitter.com/irIfMoeWsD
— Landon Holifield ✭ (@TheLandoShow) November 19, 2024
Rumors of Martin's retirement have been swirling since the summer, but Micah Parsons reignited them this past week by talking about wanting to salvage the season for veterans like Martin. He made it sound like this might be a last hurrah for the guard.
Retirement might not be Martin's choice at this point. He went down with an ankle injury and had to exit the game late. Between seeing him get burned in pass protection and watching him hobble towards the locker room with the help of trainers, Cowboys fans decided Monday was as good a time as any to eulogize Martin's career and the 2024 season as a whole.
Cowboys fans say their goodbyes to Zack Martin after MNF injury
Martin's injury didn't look good at all. He's a warrior who has been playing through injury this season. It's rare to see him concede that he can't come back onto the field.
This does not look good for Zack Martin.
— Mark 🏈 (@HeaneyNFLDraft) November 19, 2024
He is just shaking his head no; not a good sign at all for the veteran guard who is already banged up.
I hate this season for Martin, he deserves better.
There’s nothing more depressing than seeing Zack Martin down on one knee shaking his head seemingly saying, “I can’t go.”
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) November 19, 2024
Father Time is undefeated. 😞#DallasCowboys
It wasn't just Martin's injury. The whole game was a sad sight for Cowboys fans. Some gave a nod to Parsons, who created some controversy by hinting that this season would be Martin's last.
Micah Parsons was right. Zack Martin doesn't deserve this type of ending to his career, if it is indeed the end for 70 at the end of this year.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 19, 2024
Frankly the Cowboys didn't play like they had any sort of motivation to turn the season around for their veterans. At the same time, those veterans like Martin contributed to the problems.
That's as bad as I've seen Zack Martin get beaten in his career... and he can barely get up a couple plays later. Battling and hurt, having given so much to a football program that hasn't given enough back
— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) November 19, 2024
Tim Settle just fucking smoked Zack Martin
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) November 19, 2024
TIM SETTLE
it's over
Zack Martin is a first ballot hall of famer, but he’s done, man. Retire while you still have some of your health. #DallasCowboys
— Adam Samrov (@adam_samrov518) November 19, 2024
In the end, all fans could do is recognize Martin's illustrious career while apologizing for wasting it.
Gonna really miss Zack Martin. I apologize on behalf of Cowboys fans everywhere that we wasted your entire hall of fame career.
— Dave Sturchio (@DaveSturchio) November 19, 2024
This is it for Zack Martin. I’m sad the cowboys could never get him a ring, he’s had a hell of a career.
— Jazz 🩷 (@jazz626_) November 19, 2024
The Cowboys drafted Martin in the first round in 2014. He was a seven-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler, failing to achieve one of those accolades just once before this year.
Only Martin can decide when his career is officially over, but everyone knows where this is heading.