FRISCO, Texas – Talk of right guard Zack Martin’s six-year contract negation swirled around the Star at the kickoff of Mandatory Mini-Camp. He will be the highest paid guard in the league as he takes his stance as defender in the Cowboys o-line this season.
There is a reason this four-time Pro-Bowler was surprised with Jason Witten’s former locker: he has earned his leadership role by his achievements on the field through his hard work and diligence. While negotiations were still pending over his contract, Martin practiced at the facilities by himself, without his teammates present, to stay in shape and put in the work he knows they are putting in at OTA’s. He came back at Mini-Camp with excitement in his eyes and performing at his caliber on the field.
At practice, offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, remarked on Martin’s abilities “he is a sneaky good athlete. I say that with all do respect. Lineman work in a phone booth but there are a lot of things that he can do. He is very agile and can move back and forth and side to side. He is very flexible. He has had some not so perfect blocks but no one would know they aren’t perfect from his ability to recover. His all around game is about as good as there is in the league.”
High praise from a coach to the offensive lineman that has not missed a game since the Cowboys signed him in 2014. He was nominated to the Pro-Bowl every year since his start in the NFL, for his outstanding achievements on the field as a guard. He was named to the 2014 All-Rookie Team and the 2017 NFL Top 100 list at No.58. Last year Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 92.2 for his exceptional pass and run block. The Cowboys know the elite player they have in Martin and that he is worth the pay underneath the salary cap to have his dominance in the o-line.
Martin discussed his time during the negotiations and his goal for himself“ The hardest part was just not being around the guys everyday and coming in and working out and having to leave before you see those guys…Hopefully I am here for a long time. We have a ton of great leaders on this team and a ton of guys that are going to be here for a long time and I know I am one of those guys and one of those leaders. “
The Cowboys want No.70 on the field wearing a Star for a long time and gave him a six-year contract extension to show their belief in his abilities.
Martin concluded by describing the fulfillment of his dreams“ I had dreams of playing college football and then in college having dreams of playing in the NFL. I think I did things the right way here and was able to be in a position to be rewarded for it. It just feels good to be back in the locker-room with everyone…I want to be here in Dallas. I have said that from the beginning. I have never wanted to go anywhere else…You cannot really beat this!”
Congratulations Zack! You have earned it!
