Incident Details
Darwin Vander Esch, the father of ex-Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, was taken into custody over the weekend on serious domestic violence charges. According to online records, the 61-year-old was arrested shortly after midnight on Sunday in Idaho following reports of an alleged domestic battery incident.
Charges Filed Against Darwin Vander Esch
The charges against Darwin Vander Esch include felony attempted strangulation, misdemeanor domestic battery, and misdemeanor intentional destruction of a telecommunication device. These charges, as reported by the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, highlight the severity of the situation, although specific details surrounding the incident remain unclear at this time.
Leighton Vander Esch’s NFL Career and Recent Retirement
The spotlight on the Vander Esch family comes amid the recent retirement announcement by Leighton Vander Esch himself. The 28-year-old former linebacker, who was a key player for the Cowboys, decided to step away from football earlier this year due to a series of debilitating neck injuries. His most recent injury occurred during a tough loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5 of last season, marking the third time in six years that he played in ten games or fewer.
Leighton’s Reflection on His Career
In his retirement announcement, Leighton expressed his heartfelt sentiments about leaving the sport he loves. “I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands,” he stated. “I say this with a heavy heart: I am medically retiring from the NFL. I cherish every moment of my career, and it has been a blessing to play the game for as long as I have.”
Leighton emphasized that his primary focus moving forward would be on being a devoted husband and father, as he transitions into this new chapter of his life.
Background on Leighton Vander Esch’s Career
Leighton Vander Esch was selected by the Cowboys with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His early career showed great promise, but he faced significant challenges due to recurring neck injuries. After a nerve issue sidelined him for the end of his second season, he managed to return for the 2020 season, only to be hampered by similar issues once again. In 2023, he sustained yet another neck injury but made a commendable return for the playoffs.
As the Vander Esch family navigates these turbulent times, the focus is now on healing and moving forward in both personal and professional realms.
