Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark is probably in the same boat as most Cowboys fans: He misses having Leighton Vander Esch on the team.
In an interview with Sweet Spot on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM)Clark reflected on Vander Esch’s influence as a friend and teammate.
During the conversation he repeatedly referred to Vander Esch as his “big brother”.
“It’s difficult because this was a guy who came to my treatment sessions,” he said in a serious tone. “He came early in the morning. Leighton had his routine, but he changed it and started attending my rehab sessions my first year. He kept telling me, ‘Just be ready. Just be ready. It’s coming.'”
Vander Esch and Clark have similarities. Clark’s draft process was turned on its head when an MRI showed he had a herniated disk that required surgery. He went from being a sure-fire second-day pick to a 5th-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft.
He underwent the same operation as Vander Esch, but the injury is not entirely identical.
Vander Esch ended his career after six seasons due to spinal problems and neck injuries. After a fantastic rookie season, a herniated disc ended his sophomore season and he underwent spinal fusion surgery in early 2020.
This surgery was done on the understanding that he had one stroke left. If he needed another neck surgery, he would have to stop. Part of his problems stem from the fact that he was born with cervical spinal stenosis.
That final blow came in the loss to the 49ers in Week 5 of 2023. Vander Esch missed the rest of the season and retired this offseason.
“Playing that last game with the 49ers and seeing him go down, that was a guy who gave his best every day,” Clark said.
In June, Vander Esch’s wife Maddy hosted a surprise retirement party attended by many relatives, friends and former teammates.
Players like Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sean Lee, Dak Prescott and others were in attendance.
Clark said he wouldn’t have missed this party for the world.
“I had to be there,” he said. “Just seeing how many people were there and showing their love for Leighton, it was a phenomenal day.”
Clark also believes Vander Esch has a future as a coach.
“If a job opened up for Leighton to come back into football, I promise you he would take it,” he noted. “He’s a really smart guy and an even better person. Off the field, he’s an even better person. I promise you Leighton would give you the shirt off his back.”
“We miss him here, he is still our brother,” Clark said.
He praised Eric Kendricks for coming into the squad as an experienced player. Kendricks is not only an important backer for the Cowboys, but he also has to fill the gap in the linebacker roster created by Vander Esch’s retirement.
“We didn’t want Leighton to go down like that in that area, but (Eric Kendricks) stepped in immediately,” Clark explained. “That’s our brother, that’s the man in the middle of the defense.”
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