Zachary Edward Martin Bio
Zachary Edward Martin is an American former professional football player who played as a guard for 11 seasons in the National Football League, exclusively with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Notre Dame and was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Martin earned a place on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and was named to nine Pro Bowls and nine All-Pro teams during his career.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Edward Martin was born on November 20, 1990, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his brother Nick attended Saint Matthew Catholic School for elementary and middle school, participating in Catholic Youth Organization sports. Both brothers later enrolled at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. As a senior, Martin was a first-team all-state selection and helped lead his high school team to consecutive Indiana Class 3A state championships. He also competed in basketball and track and field during his high school years.
Path to American Football
Martin was considered a four-star recruit and ranked as the 22nd best offensive tackle nationally by Rivals.com. He accepted a scholarship to play college football at the University of Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over offers from Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. At Notre Dame, he redshirted his first year before becoming a starting left tackle and team captain, setting a school record for career starts by an offensive lineman.
Zachary Edward Martin Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Cowboys converted him to offensive guard, and he won the starting right guard position during preseason. In his rookie year, Martin was selected to the Pro Bowl and named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team, becoming the first rookie offensive lineman to earn that honor since 1947. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2015, Martin continued his high level of play, earning second-team All-Pro honors and helping the Cowboys rank ninth in rushing yards.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2016–2024)
Martin solidified his status as one of the NFL’s premier guards with multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-team All-Pro honors throughout his career. In 2016, he was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro, sharing the distinction with teammates Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith. The Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract in 2017, and he continued to earn Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors in subsequent seasons. In 2018, Martin signed a six-year, $84 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL at the time. Despite a knee injury in 2018 and a calf strain in 2020, Martin remained a key player for the Cowboys. He started all 17 games in 2022, allowing no sacks and receiving minimal penalties, earning First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors again. In 2023, he suffered an ankle injury that led to missed games and ultimately season-ending ankle surgery in December 2024. On February 20, 2025, Martin announced his retirement after an 11-season career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Driving Style and Strengths
Martin was known for his strong run-blocking ability and pass protection skills. His technique and consistency made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. His partnership with fellow linemen and coaching staff contributed to his sustained success and multiple All-Pro recognitions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Martin was the only rookie offensive lineman named to the AP All-Pro First Team in 2014, a feat not achieved since 1947. He became one of five offensive linemen in NFL history to earn Pro Bowl invitations in each of their first six seasons. His contract extension in 2018 set a new benchmark for guard salaries in the league.
Zachary Edward Martin Career Wins
Throughout his career, Martin earned numerous individual accolades including nine Pro Bowl selections and multiple First and Second-team All-Pro honors. He was recognized for his leadership and performance both in college and the NFL.
NFL Highlights
Martin was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and earned nine Pro Bowl selections from 2014 through 2023. He was a First-team All-Pro seven times and Second-team All-Pro twice. His rookie season was marked by historic honors, and he maintained elite performance levels throughout his career.
College Highlights
At Notre Dame, Martin was a two-time team captain and set a school record for career starts by an offensive lineman. He was named Second-team All-American in 2012 and earned MVP honors in the 2013 Pinstripe Bowl, becoming the first offensive lineman to receive that award since 1959.
Zachary Edward Martin Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Martin’s brother Nick also played in the NFL as a center after being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2016. The brothers both played college football at Notre Dame.
Personal Life
Martin married his wife Morgan in July 2016. They have a son and a daughter. Morgan is the sister of former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert, who was Martin’s teammate and roommate at Notre Dame before becoming his brother-in-law.
2025 Season Performance
Zachary Edward Martin announced his retirement in early 2025 after undergoing season-ending ankle surgery in December 2024. His retirement concluded an 11-season career with the Dallas Cowboys, during which he established himself as one of the premier offensive guards in the NFL. His legacy includes multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections and a significant impact on the Cowboys’ offensive line performance throughout his tenure.