Veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith parted ways with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason after 13 years with the franchise. Last week, Smith agreed to join the New York Jets, where he’ll serve as a key pass protector for Aaron Rodgers in 2024.
Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, has been with the Cowboys since he was drafted in the first round back in 2011, and he expressed his gratitude to the organization in an Instagram post on Monday.
“Thirteen years sure 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 Cowboy Nation, you have been there through it all,” wrote Smith in part of his address.
While Smith is moving onto the next chapter of his career, he made clear that Dallas and Cowboys Nation will always hold a special place in his heart.
The 33-year-old played in 161 games for Dallas over the past 13 seasons and made seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 2013-19. Injuries have slowed him down over the past few years, however. Since 2020, Smith has played in just 30 games, including two in ‘20 and four in ‘22.