Lieghton Vander Esch I'm Retiring ... Due To Neck Injury

Leighton Vander Esch is retiring at just 28 years old -- the Dallas Cowboys linebacker announced he is unable to return to the football field after his latest neck injury.

The team shared the news on Monday ... days after the former first round pick was released with a failed physical designation.

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The All-Pro and Pro Bowler dropped a statement on the news ... saying, "I love the game of football so much, and my body won't cooperate any longer."

"I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played."

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Vander Esch was solid for the Cowboys D on the field ... but his six-year career was unfortunately riddled with injuries, including the neck ailment he suffered back in October that ended his 2023 season.

Jerry Jones spoke highly of LVE ... saying, "Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel."

"His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player."

LVE finishes his career with 557 tackles ... including 176 in his first season alone, a franchise record for a rookie.

Jones continued ... "He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. Leighton's playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we're proud that he wore the star on his helmet, we thank him and we wish all the best to Leighton, his wife, Madalynn, and their young daughter."

Dak Prescott Police Launch Probe Into Sexual Assault Claim ... QB Says Extortion

UPDATE

3/15 6:35 AM -- Dak Prescott's attorney, Levi McCathern, released a statement on the new investigation ... claiming the accuser and her legal team only filed a police report (in a different jurisdiction) after learning their "extortion plot" failed.

"Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what is going on," McCathern said. "Clearly they think that this will somehow mitigate their criminal responsibility for attempting this illegal shakedown."

"It won’t, and it is a true disservice to the real survivors of sexual abuse."

There are now dueling criminal investigations surrounding Dak Prescott and a Texas woman ... with Dallas police launching a probe into sexual assault allegations made against the Cowboys quarterback.

As we previously reported, Dak filed a lawsuit on Monday ... claiming Victoria Shores tried to extort $100 million out of him to not go to police over an alleged encounter that occurred on Feb. 2, 2017.

Prescott and his team have maintained Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual acts with anyone in his life ... adding they went to authorities to report Shores' "criminal actions."

TMZ Sports has confirmed the Dallas Police Department received a report on Tuesday of an alleged sexual assault outside the XTC Cabaret strip club on Feb. 2, 2017 ... and the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, Prosper, Texas officials are investigating Precott's claims ... and the whole back-and-forth will now play out both criminally and civilly.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones briefly addressed Prescott's status with the team on Thursday ... saying the ongoing situation would not impact his current contract negotiations, but had no further comment considering it is a legal matter.

Prescott is suing Shores and her attorneys for defamation, slander, civil extortion/duress and more.

Originally Published -- 3/14 2:19 PM PT

Dak Prescott Files Lawsuit ... I'm Victim Of $100 Mil Extortion Plot

Dak Prescott claims a woman is threatening to go public with false sexual assault allegations against him if he doesn't pay her $100 million ... and now, he's suing to try to put a stop to it all.

The Dallas Cowboys superstar filed the lawsuit in Collin County, Texas on Monday ... alleging the woman, Victoria Shores, spelled out her extortion plot in a letter to him and his representatives back on Feb. 13.

Prescott claims Shores alleged in her letter that he assaulted her in Feb. 2017 -- just after his rookie season with the Cowboys had concluded. He said in the suit that if and only if he paid her $100 mil, she'd stay silent about it all.

The quarterback's attorneys, however, said emphatically in the lawsuit Monday, "Mr. Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual sexual behavior with anyone."

In fact, they wrote, "the timeline of events and [Shores'] actions in the years since the alleged assault are consistent with being involved with only consensual actions with Mr. Prescott."

"The fact that Mr. Prescott did not hear a single negative thing about this supposed interaction from nearly a decade ago is truly telling of" Shores' motives.

Prescott is now suing the woman and her lawyers for defamation, slander, civil extortion/duress and more.

Prescott's attorney, Levi McCathern, wrote in a statement to TMZ Sports on Monday evening, "Lies hurt. Especially, malicious lies. We will not allow the Defendant and her legal team to profit from this attempt to extort millions from Mr. Prescott."

McCathern added that the 30-year-old signal-caller -- who just had his first child, a baby girl, last month -- has gone to authorities to report Shores' "criminal actions."

Dak Prescott Girlfriend Gives Birth To Daughter ... Baby MJ's Here!!!

Congratulations are in order for Dak Prescott -- the Dallas Cowboys' star quarterback and his girlfriend just welcomed their first child together ... their daughter, baby MJ!!

The three-time Pro Bowler announced the exciting news with reporters on Monday ... saying mama and the baby are both happy and healthy.

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Prescott revealed baby MJ was born on Thursday ... which, of course, means her birthday falls on leap day!!

#4 has already taken on some important responsibilities in fatherhood ... confirming he's taken on diaper duty, but admitted he's hoping to hand off those duties from time to time.

Dak also got real about fatherhood ... saying seeing the baby every morning helped him understand the fact that he wants to do whatever he can to make sure she is taken care of.

Dak and Sarah Jane revealed back in November they were expecting their first child together ... and he explained at the time he was especially excited to have a girl.

The couple hasn't revealed what MJ stands for just yet ... but we're sure that'll come in due time.

Micah Parsons Praises Mahomes After Super Bowl Win ... Dude's On A 'Whole 'Nother Level' Now

Always Been Brady Status
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Micah Parsons threw some huge praise Patrick Mahomes' way after the QB locked up his third Super Bowl title on Sunday ... telling TMZ Sports he believes the Chiefs star should now "undoubtedly" be considered one of the greatest to ever play.

The Dallas Cowboys pass rusher fired off the compliments as he was leaving Allegiant Stadium following Kansas City's thrilling win over the 49ers.

He told us that while Mahomes should have been considered a legend even prior to Sunday's Big Game ... now that he's won his third ring, he's on a "whole 'nother level" now.

Of course, it's tough to argue otherwise ... Mahomes' resume through just six years as a starter is unmatched. In addition to his three titles, the signal caller's also a two-time MVP, a six-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro.

Clearly, Parsons -- who's played against Mahomes just one time in his career -- thinks it's all enough to put him in Tom Brady territory.

We also asked the Dallas star who he'd like to ultimately quarterback his team ... and check out his answer -- he's obviously still very much a Dak Prescott fan.

Michael Irvin I'm Fired Up For Mike Zimmer ... Cowboys Nailed DC Hire!!!

ALL ABOUT COMPLEMENTARY FOOTBALL
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Michael Irvin is stoked his Cowboys are planning to bring back Mike Zimmer to their coaching staff ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the move could finally get his former squad over the hump.

Mike McCarthy reportedly made the decision to hire Zimmer as his new defensive coordinator on Thursday after Dan Quinn bolted for Washington earlier this month ... and when we got Irvin at the "A Night Out With Legends" bash in Las Vegas on Thursday night, he was clearly pumped for the addition.

The playmaker said he believes the Cowboys were a little too boom or bust under DQ -- but that should change with Zimmer running the show in 2024.

"Mike Zimmer will bring a more calm approach," Irvin said outside the Tommy Gucciardo party, which was presented by Ticketbash.com, "and he'll make every team walk the ball down the field."

Irvin said that should be a game-changer for the Cowboys -- as they already have one of the best units in the league on the other side of the ball.

"If you've got an explosive offense," Irvin said, "and the other team has to walk the ball down the field, it gives you a better chance at winning."

Irvin, of course, knows firsthand what Zimmer can bring to a team ... the coach was actually with Dallas during Irvin's playing days in the 90s.

However, Michael obviously doesn't think the hire will lengthen McCarthy's leash one bit in Big D ... telling us the head coach's seat isn't getting any colder no matter what happens this offseason.

"I ain't feeling sorry for Mike McCarthy or any other man with pressure," Irvin said.

"Win the damn game, put your chips on the table and we won't have to worry about no damn pressure."

Ezekiel Elliott presente en una pelea en un bar de Texas La policía investiga la implicación de sus amigos

atrapado
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Ezekiel Elliott estaba en un bar de Texas el fin de semana cuando una violenta pelea estalló y ahora, los policías le dicen TMZ Sports que están investigando si los miembros de la tripulación de la estrella de la NFL estuvieron involucrados.

De acuerdo con documentos del Departamento de Policía de Frisco que obtuvimos, el disturbio ocurrió alrededor de la 1 AM en Concrete Cowboy, un club nocturno situado a pocos metros de las instalaciones de práctica de los Dallas Cowboys en Frisco.

El video grabado por un cliente del establecimiento muestra como Elliott estaba hablando con una mujer mientras varias personas se vieron envueltas en una pelea a pocos metros.

tmz investiga
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Se puede ver en las imágenes a un hombre que parece lanzar un puñetazo que aterriza de lleno en la espalda de otro hombre.

Los oficiales escribieron en un informe que el incidente que "un hombre y una mujer fueron agredidos físicamente por un gran grupo de hombres" en la pelea. Un portavoz del FPD añadió en un comunicado que los testigos alegaron que "miembros del grupo de Elliott pueden haber estado involucrados".

La Policía, sin embargo, dijo que una investigación sobre las denuncias sigue en curso y los detectives están "todavía trabajando para confirmar los detalles del incidente".

Elliott está, por supuesto, muy familiarizado con el área de Frisco. Jugó para los Cowboys durante las primeras siete temporadas de su carrera, antes de unirse a los New England Patriots en 2023.

El tailback de 28 años tuvo éxito en su primera temporada con el uniforme de otro equipo, acumulando 955 yardas totales desde el scrimmage y cinco TD totales.

Ezekiel Elliott Present At Texas Bar Fight ... Cops Investigating Friends' Involvement

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE
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Ezekiel Elliott was at a Texas bar over the weekend when a violent fight broke out ... and now, cops tell TMZ Sports they're investigating if members of the NFL star's crew were involved.

According to Frisco Police Dept. documents we obtained, the disturbance happened at around 1 AM at Concrete Cowboy -- a nightclub located a few yards from the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility in Frisco.

Video shot by a patron at the establishment shows as Elliott was talking with a woman, several people got into a brawl just feet away.

TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ Studios

You can see in the footage, at one point during the squabble, a man appears to throw a punch that lands squarely on another man's back.

Officers wrote in an incident report that "a male and a female were physically assaulted by a large group of males" in the fracas. An FPD spokesperson added in a statement that witnesses alleged "members of Elliott's group may have been involved."

Cops, however, said a probe into the allegations is still ongoing ... and detectives are "still working to confirm the details of the incident."

Elliott is, of course, very familiar with the Frisco area ... he played for the Cowboys for the first seven seasons of his career, before he joined the New England Patriots in 2023.

The 28-year-old tailback found success in his first season in another team's uniform, piling up 955 total yards from scrimmage and five total TDs.

Ex-Cowboys WR Isaiah Stanback Dallas Never Explored Belichick, Jim Harbaugh ... Before Sticking W/ McCarthy

THE HOT TOPIC
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Jerry Jones never truly entertained the idea of hiring Bill Belichick or Jim Harbaugh following the Cowboys' embarrassing playoff loss on Sunday ... so says former Dallas wideout Isaiah Stanback.

The ex-Cowboy -- who's become an NFL insider and analyst in retirement -- tells TMZ Sports ... according to his sources at The Star, Jones didn't explore moving on to a new coach before choosing to stick with Mike McCarthy on Wednesday.

"From the information I have inside the building," said Stanback, who played for Jones from 2007 to 2008, "there was never a search for an additional coach."

"I don't think it was ever an alternative to try to go and find somebody else," Stanback added.

Of course, plenty of Cowboys fans were certainly hoping Jones would've gone a different route ... after McCarthy bowed out of the playoffs over the weekend for the third straight year in disappointing fashion.

But, Stanback tells us he thinks the move is ultimately the right one ... explaining hiring the wrong choice right now could set the team back significantly further.

"In reality," Stanback said, "how many coaches in the NFL have a consecutive winning record of 12-5 to position you for a playoff run to go ultimately get the Lombardi Trophy?"

Nonetheless, Stanback knows the 2024 season is going to be a pressure-packed one for McCarthy ... and everyone else with a star on their helmet.

"It's even heightened," he said, "because of how you left this most recent season."

Jake Ferguson Cowboys Star Gets Cavinder Shout-Out ... Happy B-Day 'Oldhead!'

An embarrassing playoff loss suddenly got easier to swallow for Dallas Cowboys star Jake Ferguson ... 'cause he just received an adorable birthday shout-out from his smokin' hot GF, Haley Cavinder!!

One half of the famous Cavinder twins dropped the happy b-day wishes to the tight end on her Instagram page Thursday morning ... sharing a collage of pics of her snuggled up with her man to celebrate his 25th trip around the sun.

"Ocho siete day," she wrote with a party emoji. "Twentyyyy five oldhead!"

Ferguson, of course, could use the TLC from Cavinder ... after all, while he did ball out against the Packers in a playoff game on Sunday, his Cowboys team got smacked, 48-32.

Cavinder, meanwhile, seems to have no problem sharing her love for the football player ... after they took their relationship public a few months ago, she's been nothing but a loyal GF.

The 23-year-old TCU women's basketball player -- who's sitting out this season after transferring from Miami -- was at most of his games .... rockin' his jersey number loudly and proudly.

Ferguson now has plenty of time to watch the Horned Frogs with Cavinder -- but first, it seems a big birthday bash Thursday is on the agenda!

Chad Johnson Jerry Jones Is The Cowboys 'Mother F***ing Problem' ... Must Take Step Back

Don't look at Mike McCarthy or Dak Prescott ... the Cowboys' MF'ing problem is none other than Jerry Jones, according to retired NFL star Chad Johnson, and if the organization ever hopes to end its championship drought, the owner has to take a giant leap backward!

Johnson and fellow legend Shannon Sharpe chopped it up Sunday night on their Nightcap Podcast, dishing on the Cowboys shocking loss to the Packers, a game they were favored to win by a TD.

“Guess who the mother f***ing problem is and why they keep losing every single year? 28 years guess who the common denominator is? All the pieces to the puzzle every year the Cowboys play good god d*** football and get sent the f*** home in the first round, guess who the problem is?” Chad asked.

Shannon responded, asking if it was Jerry.

“Say his name loud and clear! That’s the problem, Jerry Jones is the reason why they can’t get past the first round. That’s the problem!”

Of course, 81-year-old Jones isn't just the owner, he's also the president and general manager ... meaning unlike other owners, Jerry's running things.

Johnson believes that's the real issue for "America's Team."

And, it's not that Chad doesn't like Jones ... he does, but he also believes this is something that must happen.

“Jerry I love you, I love the way you conduct business. Go ahead and get in the background and let them boys handle their business from now on.”

CJ continued ... “Let the boys go out there and play ball. We know who owns the team, don’t put no more added pressure than what already comes with the star on the helmet already. Watch the problem be solved, I guarantee the problem be solved when Jerry stops doing that.”

Will Jerry Jones take Chad's advice? Let's be real ... it'll likely be a cold day in hell before that happens. In the meantime, other changes are surely coming in Dallas.

Jordan Love Girlfriend Savagely Trolls Cowboys ... Where Dem Boyz Going?!

WHO'S LAUGHING NOW???

Jordan Love’s longtime GF Ronika Stone could hardly wait to roast "Dem Boyz" after the Cowboys lopsided loss to the Packers on Sunday ... the pro volleyball player had some (good-natured fun) at the expense of a bunch of Dallas fans who hit the exits early!

Of course, the Cowboys lost 48-32 (they were down 27-0 in the first half) ... and Stone, the First Lady of Cheesehead Nation, had a prime seat, sitting mid-field as she watched her man carve up the Dallas defense.

Stone made a beeline for IG in the second half, mocking the Cowboys for the L as she took video of fans leaving early.

“Leaving so soon Cowboys fans?!” Stone gleefully asked.

“What happened? I thought we were Dem Boyz,” she continued, as her sister laughed in the background.

Savage.

Ronika -- a former standout athlete at the University of Oregon -- didn't stop with just an IG story post ... she also headed for TikTok to talk a little trash.

“Just checking in to see if y’all are still dem boyz?!”

Love played out of his mind on Sunday, throwing for 272 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. He completed over 76% of his passes and finished with a near-perfect QB rating.

Jordan's performance was one of the best playoff debuts ever for a QB, bottom line.

Chances are things are going to get a good deal harder this weekend when the Packers go on the road to face the #1 seed 49ers, who are 9.5-point favorites (GB was 7.5 dogs to DAL).

Ronika, we'll see ya at Levi's Stadium!

Dez Bryant Blasts Cowboys During Shocking Packers Loss ... 'Too Damn Talented For This'

Dez Bryant was posting through the pain during the Cowboys' shocking loss to the Packers on Sunday ... sharing his roller coaster of emotions on social media as his beloved team got booted from the playoffs.

The former All-Pro receiver was high on Dallas before kickoff ... saying he was "feeling EXTREMELY EXTREMELY great" about America's Team and claiming a $10,000 payday was on the line.

But things quickly went south for Dez ... as Green Bay came out strong with a 27-0 lead and never looked back.

That's when Dez -- who played for the Cowboys from 2010-2017 -- started to unravel.

"Idk wtf going on but we really need straighten up," Dez said ... still holding out hope for a comeback. He later bashed Cowboys staffers ... adding, "Playing (sic) calling trash as f*** right now."

As Dallas started to pick things up in the second half, Dez remained optimistic ... saying, "I still believe in us… game not over" and "If we can score one more time before the 3rd up. I like our chances."

In fact, he claimed he was about to make a live bet on Dallas completing the comeback ... but shortly after, he accepted the inevitable outcome.

"Yea this one might be over."

Bryant gave his two cents on the future of the Cowboys ... saying the organization should fire defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

"Quinn was ready to leave Dallas," Dez posted. "Fire his ass Jerry and give him his wish."

But it doesn't sound like Bryant is solely putting the blame on Quinn ... as he said the current roster was "too damn talented for this."

Green Bay ended up taking the 48-32 victory ... securing a spot in the Divisional Round, where they'll face the San Francisco 49ers. It was certainly not what people were expecting ... as Dallas was believed to be a Super Bowl contender, and the Packers snuck into the postseason with a 10-8 record.

Gotta give Dez credit for being 100% real throughout his heartbreak ... and he got over his troubles with the help of an adult beverage.

"Going to grab a drink smh."

Dak Prescott Gets Custom Air Forces From GF ... Merry Christmas To QB!!!

Dak Prescott's shoe closet got a major upgrade on Christmas thanks to his girlfriend -- 'cause she gifted him a custom pair of Air Force 1s ... that paid homage to their love for each other!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Sarah Jane -- who's pregnant with the Dallas Cowboys superstar's baby -- reached out to Chesler Customs at the beginning of December to get the one-of-a-kind Nike kicks made for her man for the December holiday.

She asked for them to feature their favorite flower -- a rose -- and she wanted a matching pair for herself too.

The footwear artist was able to get it all done by the 25th -- and as you can see, they came out awesome.

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Prescott's pair features a rose in black paint, while Sarah's shoes are adorned in pink ... and Chesler says it all took him about 10 hours to put together.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling for sure," Chesler said of making custom kicks for NFL's potential MVP. "I dreamed of moments like this when I first started customizing shoes. It’s definitely a dream come true!"

The 2x Pro Bowl signal-caller and Sarah -- who's worked in the hospitality industry -- have kept their relationship mostly under wraps ... but recently, they've started opening up about their love for each other on social media.

In fact, the two announced on Thanksgiving weekend that they're expecting their first child together very soon!!

Ex-Cowboys LB Rashaan Evans Mug Shot Released ... After Weed Arrest

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashaan Evans was arrested on Tuesday ... and on Friday, cops released his mug shot -- and you can see, he was not thrilled to have been thrown behind bars.

The 28-year-old -- who was cut by America's Team on Wednesday following the arrest -- took the photo hours after cops placed him in handcuffs after officers say he reeked of weed in his 2021 Ram 1500 near the Cowboys' practice facility in Frisco, Texas.

According to police documents, cops say at around 10:46 PM they drove by Evans, who was in the driver's seat of his car ... and smelled a strong odor of marijuana.

They claim when they eventually questioned the football player, he told them there was "just a nugget" in the ride.

Cops say, however, that when they searched the Ram, they found burnt marijuana residue, marijuana cigarettes, rolling papers and a vacuum-sealable bag containing three separate baggies of marijuana.

They say the baggies weighed a total of 2.240 ounces.

Evans was ultimately booked on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. And, hours later, the Cowboys moved on from him.

Evans had just joined Dallas' roster in October. He had played in nine games so far this season -- including the Cowboys' loss to Miami on Sunday -- tallying nine total tackles.

He has not yet publicly commented on the situation.

Cowboys Vs. Eagles Fans Get In Wild Fistfight At Game

RIVALRY RUMBLE

UPDATE

10:02 AM PT -- A spokesperson for the Arlington Police Department tells TMZ Sports ... no arrests were made, explaining, "it does not appear either of the men involved or the vendor whose items were knocked over contacted us to file a report with us."

Two fans at the Cowboys vs. Eagles game got into a wild brawl ... and things turned so violent during the fight, the combatants almost destroyed thousands of dollars worth of memorabilia.

The scrap went down during the Cowboys' win over Philadelphia ... when a man wearing a Raiders Michael Crabtree jersey got into it with a Dallas fan.

It's unclear what started it all ... but video from the scene shows the two were throwing some serious haymakers at each other -- before they spilled into a pop-up shop full of rare, signed jerseys, photos and more.

Thankfully, while the two were going at it, none of the items appeared to be damaged.

The guys, however, continued to slug each other even after they moved on from the memorabilia tent ... punching each other in the face over and over again.

No word on if any arrests were made -- the footage of the tilt cut out before the fight concluded -- but it seems bystanders ultimately stepped in to calm things down.

As for the action on the field at AT&T Stadium -- there wasn't much of a fight there ... the Cowboys won by 20 in a game that never really felt close.

Originally Published -- 8:00 AM PT

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