History of Zack Martin in Timeline

Zack Martin is a retired American football guard, spending his entire 11-season NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. A standout at Notre Dame, he was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. Martin's career is marked by consistent excellence, earning him a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He achieved nine Pro Bowl selections and nine All-Pro team honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier offensive linemen in the league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Success & Recognition

November 20, 1990: Zack Martin Born

On November 20, 1990, Zachary Edward Martin was born. He would later become a professional football guard.

2006: Played on Both Offensive and Defensive Lines

During his sophomore season in 2006, Zack Martin started on both the offensive and defensive lines, recording 73 tackles as a defensive tackle.

2007: Won Second Consecutive State Championship

In 2007, as a junior, Zack Martin helped lead his high school team to a 14-1 record and second consecutive Indiana Class 3A state championship.

2009: Redshirted at Notre Dame

In 2009, Zack Martin redshirted at Notre Dame.

2009: Selected for Under Armour All-America Game

In 2009, Zack Martin was selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando, Florida.

2010: Starting Left Tackle for Notre Dame

In 2010, Zack Martin became the starting left tackle for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, starting all 13 games.

2011: Started all 13 Games at Left Tackle

In 2011, Zack Martin started all 13 games at left offensive tackle for Notre Dame, contributing to a strong running game.

2012: Named Team Captain at Notre Dame

In 2012, Zack Martin was named one of four team captains for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

2013: Played in BCS National Championship Game

In 2013, Zack Martin started all 13 games and helped lead the Notre Dame team to a 12-0 regular season record and a trip to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, but lost 42–14.

2013: Named Team Captain for Second Time and Pinstripe Bowl MVP

In 2013, Zack Martin was named team captain for the second time and was named MVP of the 2013 Pinstripe Bowl.

2014: Drafted by Cowboys and Named Pro Bowler

In 2014, Zack Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and named the starter at right guard. On December 23, Martin was selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

2014: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

In 2014, Zack Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL draft.

2014: Returned to Notre Dame for final season

Zack Martin announced he would return to the Irish for the 2013-2014 season.

January 2, 2015: Named to Associated Press All-Pro Team

On January 2, 2015, Zack Martin was voted to the Associated Press (AP) 2014 All-Pro Team, making him the only rookie picked for the team.

2015: Had Second All-Pro Caliber Season

In 2015, Zack Martin had a second All-Pro caliber season and helped lead the NFL's ninth best rushing attack.

July 2016: Married Morgan Eifert

In July 2016, Zack Martin married his wife Morgan, who is the sister of former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert.

2016: Played in Pro Bowl and Named Second Team All-Pro

In 2016, Zack Martin played for Team Irvin in the Pro Bowl and was named second team All-Pro by the AP.

2016: Named to Third Straight Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro

In 2016, Zack Martin was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and was named First-team All-Pro, honors shared with fellow Cowboy offensive linemen.

April 18, 2017: Cowboys Picked Up Fifth-Year Option

On April 18, 2017, the Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option on Zack Martin's rookie contract.

2017: Ranked 58th on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2017, Zack Martin was ranked 58th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

June 13, 2018: Signed Contract Extension with Cowboys

On June 13, 2018, Zack Martin signed a six-year, $84 million contract extension with the Cowboys, becoming the highest paid guard in the NFL.

2018: Ranked 71st on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2018, Zack Martin was ranked 71st by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2019: Pro Bowl Invitation in Each of First Six Seasons

In 2019, Zack Martin became one of five offensive linemen ever to secure a Pro Bowl invitation in each of their first six seasons.

December 7, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 7, 2020, Zack Martin was placed on injured reserve with a calf strain.

January 2, 2021: Activated from Injured Reserve

On January 2, 2021, Zack Martin was activated from injured reserve.

September 5, 2021: Ruled Out Due to COVID-19

On September 5, 2021, Zack Martin was ruled out for the 2021 season opener due to testing positive for COVID-19.

2022: Started All 17 Games for the Cowboys

In 2022, Zack Martin started all 17 games for the Cowboys, showcasing his durability and skill on the offensive line.

January 2023: Received First-Team All-Pro Nod and Pro Bowl Spot

In January 2023, Zack Martin received a first-team All-Pro nod and a spot on the NFC roster in the Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance in the 2022 season.