History of Leighton Vander Esch in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 20, 2024

Leighton Vander Esch is a retired American football linebacker. He played college football for Boise State before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Vander Esch played his entire six-year professional career with the Cowboys.

February 8, 1996: Birth of Leighton Vander Esch

On February 8, 1996, Leighton Vander Esch was born.

2014: High School Graduation

Leighton Vander Esch graduated from Salmon River High School in 2014.

2015: Redshirt Freshman Season at Boise State

In 2015, Vander Esch played as a redshirt freshman at Boise State University.

2016: Sophomore Season at Boise State

Vander Esch's sophomore season at Boise State in 2016 was limited due to a neck injury.

December 21, 2017: Declares for NFL Draft

On December 21, 2017, Vander Esch announced his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

2017: Breakout Junior Season at Boise State

In 2017, Vander Esch had a breakout season as a junior at Boise State, earning the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award.

April 3, 2018: Boise State Pro Day

Vander Esch participated in Boise State's pro day on April 3, 2018, focusing on positional drills.

2018: Enters 2018 NFL Draft

After his junior year in 2018, Vander Esch decided to forgo his senior season and entered the 2018 NFL Draft.

2018: NFL Draft Selection

In 2018, Leighton Vander Esch was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL draft.

2018: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2018, Vander Esch had a record-breaking rookie season with the Cowboys, recording a franchise rookie-record 140 combined tackles.

2018: Drafted by Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys selected Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

2018: NFL Scouting Combine

Vander Esch participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in 2018, impressing scouts with his performance.

January 5, 2019: First Playoff Game

On January 5, 2019, Vander Esch started in his first playoff game, contributing to the Cowboys' victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

December 24, 2019: Season-Ending Neck Surgery

Vander Esch's 2019 season was cut short due to a nerve issue in his neck, leading to surgery and placement on injured reserve on December 24, 2019.

October 19, 2020: Returns from Injured Reserve

Vander Esch returned from injured reserve on October 19, 2020, after recovering from a broken collarbone.

May 3, 2021: Cowboys Decline Fifth-Year Option

The Cowboys declined the fifth-year option on Vander Esch's contract on May 3, 2021, making him a free agent in 2022.

March 18, 2022: Re-signs with Cowboys

Vander Esch re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year contract on March 18, 2022.

2022: Becomes a Free Agent

In 2022, Vander Esch became a free agent after the Cowboys declined his fifth-year option.

March 14, 2023: Re-signs with Cowboys

On March 14, 2023, Vander Esch re-signed with the Cowboys on a two-year deal.

October 8, 2023: Neck Injury and Placement on Injured Reserve

Vander Esch suffered a neck injury on October 8, 2023, leading to his placement on injured reserve and the end of his 2023 season.

March 15, 2024: Released by Cowboys and Retirement

After being released by the Dallas Cowboys on March 15, 2024, Vander Esch announced his retirement from professional football due to medical reasons.

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