Veteran superstar offensive tackle Tyron Smith has played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys up to this point after the team selected him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, establishing himself as a legitimate legend for the team. But his time with the team is officially over.
This week, Tyron Smith decided to sign with the New York Jets as a free agent, officially ending his 13-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys. And following the decision, he took the time to share a heartfelt message to the Cowboys about what his time with the team meant to him.
Here’s the full message he posted on Instagram:
“Cowboy Nation, Humbly, I don’t even know where to begin…
“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 all have been there through it all.
“In 2011 as a young kid out of USC, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Since the day I was selected, it’s been my sole priority to give this organization, my teammates and of course the fans everything I had to give. I loved being a Cowboy and establishing relationships over the years with people that will always be a part of my life.
“The o-line room in Dallas will forever hold a special place in my heart. Inside those four walls, traditions were made, and teammates became brothers. I learned so much from y’all and you have no idea how much I appreciate the many ways you’ve help me grow not just as a player, but as a 20-year-old boy to the man I am today.
“To the Jones family, thank for the amazing opportunity to play for the Cowboys and the life changing experience that my family and I will forever be grateful for. I will never forget the feeling of running out of the tunnel at AT&T Stadium or the roar of the crowd after a big play.
“Cowboy Nation – thank you for everything. While I’m excited for this next chapter of my football career, part of my heart will forever be left in Texas. Until we meet again…”
Smith may be leaving the Cowboys, but it’s clear that Dallas will always hold a special place in his heart.
