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Dominates Cowboys Defense With 469 Tackles Legend Beats Injury, Aims for Return to Cowboys

Dallas, TX – June 19, 2025 – Cowboys fans are buzzing with excitement as legendary linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, the “Wolf Hunter,” announces he’s fully recovered from a career-threatening neck injury. The 2018 first-round pick has inked a one-year deal to return for what he calls his “final ride” with Dallas, aiming to chase a Super Bowl in 2025.

Vander Esch, 28, faced his toughest challenge after a neck injury sidelined him in Week 5 of 2023 against the 49ers. Following a grueling year of rehab under team doctor Dr. Dan Cooper, he’s been cleared to play. “I had offers, but Dallas is home,” Vander Esch told ESPN. “I’m here to finish what I started—one last shot at a ring.”

The 6-foot-4 linebacker, a 2018 Pro Bowler with 469 tackles, started 65 of 71 games, anchoring Dallas to three NFC East titles. His return bolsters a defense ranked fifth against the run (112.3 yards/game) in 2024. Head coach Mike McCarthy called it a “game-changer,” with Vander Esch set to lead alongside Eric Kendricks and rookie Marist Liufau in Matt Eberflus’ 3-4 scheme.

With $20 million in cap space (per Spotrac), Dallas secured Vander Esch on a $4M deal with snap-based incentives. GM Jerry Jones didn’t hide his enthusiasm: “Leighton’s our heart and soul. We’re thrilled to have him back.” Fans on X (@CowboysNation) are hyped, envisioning him with Micah Parsons and rookie Shavon Revel, much like Zach Tom anchors Green Bay’s line.

Vander Esch’s team-first mentality echoes Andrew Booth’s willingness to step aside for Revel. As training camp nears (July 27), can the “Wolf Hunter” lead Dallas to glory? Follow ESPN for updates!

 

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Dan Campbell Reveals Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Injury Update and Praises His “Extraordinary Will” After 44–30 Win Over Cowboys
Detroit, Michigan – After the fiery 44–30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Dan Campbell entered the press room with a mixture of relief and pride. It wasn’t just because the Lions kept their momentum heading into the end of the season — it was also because of positive news regarding star Amon-Ra St. Brown. Campbell confirmed that the ankle injury that had the entire team worried all week is actually only minor and will fully recover in one to two days. Campbell said St. Brown was nearly listed as out before the game, yet he still appeared in the lineup and played at an intensity no different from someone completely healthy. That, according to Campbell, perfectly reflects St. Brown’s true nature. No quitting, no complaining, and always ready to fight for Detroit. In a game with huge playoff implications, that performance became even more valuable. When asked about St. Brown’s spirit, Campbell couldn’t hide his pride. He shared with deep emotion about his player’s tireless fighting mentality. “His will is completely different. He never accepts taking a step back, no matter how much his body hurts. St. Brown is the one who sets the standard for us every day, and no one can replace that spirit.” Those words left the entire press room silent for a few seconds. On the field, St. Brown continued to prove his worth with six catches for 92 yards, becoming the focal point of the Lions’ offense. His presence not only opened opportunities for teammates but also gave Jared Goff confidence in critical moments. Those efforts came from a player who, just hours before kickoff, was still undergoing constant medical checks to determine if he could play. Campbell closed the press conference with a clear message that the win over the Cowboys wasn’t just about tactics or talent — it was about the fighting spirit of players like St. Brown. The news that his injury is only a minor issue allowed the entire team to breathe a sigh of relief. And if the Lions truly want to go far this season, the image of St. Brown rising above the pain will be the inspiration for the whole team on the road ahead.