Zack Martin
DALLAS COWBOYS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Guard | University of Notre Dame | 11 |
EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD
Zack Martin, the Dallas Cowboys' standout guard, is heading into his 11th season after being drafted by the club in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2014. Martin has been selected to nine Pro Bowls and been named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press seven times. Martin has started all 152 games played and looks to continue his All-Pro play while entering the last year of his current deal. Martin's ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes is unparalleled. His footwork and hand placement effectively neutralize the league's most aggressive defenders. He provides the quarterback with time to execute plays and opens opportunities for the running game, making the Cowboys' offense more dynamic and versatile. He possesses an innate understanding of defensive schemes and can anticipate and counteract blitzes and stunts with ease. His leadership on the field is evident, as he often mentors younger players and sets a high standard for work ethic and dedication. His contributions to the Dallas Cowboys have been instrumental in the team's offensive success for the last decade and has solidified his reputation as one of the premier guards in the NFL.
POSITIVE CHARACTER & A LIFESTYLE OF GIVING BACK
Zack Martin consistently demonstrates positive character and a lifestyle of giving back through his ongoing commitment to various community initiatives. His involvement with the NMOHM is a prime example, where he not only raises awareness, but also honors the bravery and sacrifices of Medal of Honor recipients through various touchpoints across the year.
This dedication reflects his deep respect for those who serve and his desire to inspire others with their stories of courage. Martin's leadership style encourages his teammates to support the causes he finds important as well. His influence led the Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line and entire coaching staff to champion the NMOHM on their cleats and game day shoes for the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" program in 2023. His actions on and off the field set a powerful example for his teammates and fans, showing that success in sports can go hand-in-hand with making a positive impact in the community.
DEDICATION & COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY EFFORTS
THIS YEAR
Zack Martin brings the same hard work and dedication to supporting the North Texas community that he gives to leading the team's offensive line on game day. For more than a decade, Martin has been an avid participant in team philanthropy that touches The Salvation Army. He and his family annually help serve an Early Thanksgiving Day meal to those in need and provide numerous Christmas gifts through The Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Additionally, he is an anchor to the Cowboys annual holiday visits to local children's hospitals, Make a Wish visit program, North Texas Food Bank fundraisers, and more. Martin also uses his platform to honor heroes – whether that be through support of the National Medal of Honor Museum and its mission to create the next generation of character-drive leaders or to recognize the sacrifice and risk taken on by first responders. Most recently, Martin led a group of teammates to visit a Frisco Fire Department to thank first responders for their service and provide lunch. The players spent time signing autographs, sharing stories and enjoying a family-style meal. Martin has witnessed first-hand the commitment and dedication it takes to serve others, with his grandfather having been a longtime Fire Chief in their family hometown. Martin's support for the National Medal of Honor Museum (NMOHM) has now become a "My Cause, My Cleats" tradition for both he and the team's offensive line, who have dedicated at least one of their cleats to the museum and the Medal of Honor recipients for the last three years. Martin will be sporting cleats for the museum again in 2024. Martin leads the charge for player support to the NMOHM and can be found at most team events that engage the museum. For example, during Salute to Service Week, the Cowboys partnered with the NMOHM on a Veteran's Day Appreciation Lunch at the museum construction site. Under Martin's leadership, more than 15 players attended to thank those in attendance for their military service and work on building a home for the stories and legacy of Medal of Honor recipients. During the lunch, Martin also donated a pair of his customized "My Cause, My Cleats" to workers at the construction site. Prior to Veteran's Day, Martin visited with homeless veterans at The Salvation Army and helped present a $10,000 grant from Lucas Oil to the non-profit veteran's programs.
IN YEARS PAST
The spotlight on Martin began when he was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2014 and since day one, he has made significant contributions to the North Texas community. His generosity and leadership have led him to champion causes with military, veterans, and first responders, as well as youth and those underserved. One notable effort is his involvement with the NMOHM. Martin supports this initiative by honoring Medal of Honor recipients and promoting the museum's mission to inspire future generations with values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Through the "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign, Martin has raised awareness for the museum, encouraging his teammates and coaching staff to participate as well. His dedication is highlighted by his personal connection with Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Retired Captain Florent Groberg, with whom he has developed a meaningful friendship. In 2022, Martin surprised Groberg with customized Nike Air Force 1s that matched his own NMOHM "My Cause, My Cleats," along with tickets to the Super Bowl. He taped promotional messages encouraging fans to donate to the team's 50/50 Raffle benefiting the Museum at the Salute to Service home game. In addition to his work with the NMOHM, Martin draws upon his family legacy of public service to support first responders – specifically fire fighters – in a variety of outreach efforts. He has led teammates to honor and recognize first responders around the anniversary of the attacks on 9/11 and to highlight the lifesaving skills that first responders provide. Martin has supported the Cowboys annual outreach to The Salvation Army, participating in their annual Red Kettle Campaign, which helps raise funds for various community programs that provide shelter, food, and social services. Martin has also volunteered his time to the Cowboys' annual Thanksgiving meal distribution, where he helps provide meals to families in need during the holiday season. Martin has also been active in supporting causes that impact youth in crisis. He engages with Make-A-Wish "wish kids" during their home game week visits with the team, bringing joy and inspiration to their lives. He also supports the North Texas Food Bank and the club's annual Taste of the Cowboys event which supports feeding programs for food-insecure children in the local community. His dedication to these causes highlights his commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the field.