The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line and Dak Prescott take another major hit-this time from the legendary Tyron Smith

One of the most pressing needs for the Dallas Cowboys is their offensive line. Just a couple of months ago, Zack Martin, a guard and future Hall of Famer, announced his retirement. Now, left tackle and eight-time Pro Bowl selection Tyron Smith has followed the same path.

Smith will sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the Cowboys on Wednesday to officially retire from the NFL with the team that selected him in the first round of the 2011 Draft.

The former USC player spent 12 of his 13 NFL seasons with the Cowboys. Last year, he played 10 games with the New York Jets. Over his career, Smith started all 171 games he played and was selected to the Pro Bowl from 2013 to 2019 and again in 2021. His career is destined for the Hall of Fame.

Smith's Impact on the NFL was immediate

After being drafted in 2011, Tyron Smith had an immediate impact with the Cowboys, becoming a starter from day one. He began his NFL journey protecting Tony Romo and was part of a Dallas Cowboys offensive line that, at the time, was considered the best in the league.

At his peak, the former USC player was the epitome of what a left tackle should be in the NFL-long arms and an imposing physique to go up against the league's top defenders. He initially played on the right side but was later moved to protect the quarterback's blind side.

An era of great Cowboys linemen comes to an end

Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and Tyron Smith were three foundational pillars of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line for over a decade. Together, they formed one of the most dominant offensive line groups in the NFL-undoubtedly one of the most feared units in the league.

Today, all three are retired, but they will always be ed by Cowboys fans. It was a perfect mix of talent and teamwork. They were among the best the NFL had to offer and played a major role in Ezekiel Elliott's success in the Dallas ground game.