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Retired Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch's father Darwin was arrested in Idaho over the weekend on some serious charges which include felony attempted strangulation.
According to TMZ, the Idaho County Sheriff's Office received a call drawing attention to a domestic battery incident outside the city of Riggins, Idaho, on Sunday, at 12:26 am. After the police arrived at the scene, they arrested the 61-year-old Darwin Vander Esch for felony attempted strangulation.
The former Cowboys LB's father was also cited for misdemeanor domestic battery and misdemeanor intentional destruction of a telecommunication device. According to the New York Post, Vander Esch has since bonded out of custody.
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Why did Leighton Vander Esch retire from the NFL?
Vander Esch had a pretty eventful career from 2018 to 2023 when he chose to hang up his cleats. He was a first-round pick with the Cowboys in 2018.
In 71 games, Vander Esch recorded 469 tackles (296 Solo and 173 assisted) and averaged 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection, was named to the All-Pro team, and was part of PFWA's All-Rookie team.
However, injuries caught up with him over six years in the league.
In 2023, after the Cowboys re-signed him for another year, Vander Esch suffered another neck injury during a game against the San Francisco 49ers. That appears to have been the final straw for Vander Esch to call it quits. He was released by the 49ers in March 2024.
In a statement at the time, Vander Esch told the media:
“I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands. I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL.
“I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer. I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.”
When he retired, Jerry Jones said in a statement:
“We are proud that he wore the star on his helmet.”
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