Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee retires from the NFL

ARLINGTON – After 11 seasons, 995 tackles and 14 interceptions, Sean Lee is calling it a career.

The longtime Cowboys linebacker announced his retirement via press release this afternoon. Selected 55th overall in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Lee started 92 of the 118 games he played for Dallas, finishing eighth all-time for tackles in franchise history. He earned two Pro Bowl nods, was named to the AP All-Pro first team in 2016, and still owns the Cowboys record for the most tackles in a single game with 22 against the New York Giants on Dec. 11 of that same year.

Unfortunately, injuries plagued what could have been an even more remarkable career. Lee only played a full 16-game schedule once over the past 11 seasons, and he missed the entirety of the 2014 campaign with a torn ACL. Lee only started two of the nine games he played last season, notching a career low in solo tackles.

Along with the official press release, Lee wrote a letter to the Cowboys and their fans:

For 11 seasons I was privileged to wear the Cowboys star. We want to play forever. But today, it’s my time to walk away.

To the Jones family, you treated me as one of your own since I arrived. You allowed me to shine and grow as a player and person. Thank you for your support and graciousness.

To the coaches, your endless hours of work made me a better player and pushed me to places I didn’t know I could go. I’ll carry your lessons through the rest of my life.

To my teammates, I love you like brothers. The bond of our shared sacrifice will last forever. I’ll miss the brotherhood, but will cherish the memories from the locker room following all the big wins and tough losses.

To the athletic training staff, Lord knows you earned your money working with me. But I couldn’t have made it through my injuries without you. Britt Brown, thank you for pushing me as far as you did.

To the fans, you lifted me up when I needed it most. I didn’t want to let you down. If there’s a regret, it’s that I never helped bring a championship back home, because you deserve it so much.

To my family, you have always been my foundation. I love and cherish all of you. I couldn’t have done anything without your support. Mom and Dad, you showed me the right way, giving me every opportunity to succeed. To my brother and sister, I looked to both of you for inspiration. To my in-laws, thanks for all your love and support. To my wife, Megan, I love you dearly. You were there for every injury, every bad game. I never would have persevered without your support.

To the game of football, it changed my life.

Whenever I’m near a field, the smell brings me back to when I first started playing, pulling on a helmet, trying on those shoulder pads, that perfect tackle. To think of the journey now, experiencing things I never thought possible with the men and women who make this game what it is, I’m beyond grateful.

Thank you, Cowboys Nation. It has been my honor.

Sean Lee