San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams is in hot water amid Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch calling it a career on Monday.
In an October 2023 game, Williams—a three-time All-Pro and eleven-time Pro Bowler—blocked Vander Esch from behind, sending the veteran Cowboys linebacker into linebacker Micah Parsons head-first. Due to a cervical neck injury, Vander Esch was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Fans expressed their fury and blame on social media after seeing a replay of the block on video. Due to his history of neck problems, Vander Esch was unable to pass a physical and his six-year NFL career came to an end.
“L. Vander Esch’s career is ended, according to #49ers LT Trent Williams, according to fans of the NFL. Sports enthusiast Travis King posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “They also promote Trent is a ‘dirty player.'” “Do Niners fans think Trent is a dirty player? I’m curious.”
Williams’ hit on Vander Esch, which occurred a week after the veteran 49ers tackle was fined, resulted in no punishment from the NFL. A week following the game in September 2023, he was fined $11,000 for punching a defensive lineman for the New York Giants.
Leighton Vander Esch Has Experienced Many Neck-Related Injuries in the Past
Vander Esch has a long history of neck issues dating back to his time as a Boise State student. It all started when he lost half of his sophomore season in 2016 due to a pinched nerve.
He missed seven games in 2019 due to a neck nerve issue he had while playing for the Cowboys. Following that season, Vander Esch underwent spinal stenosis surgery.
Vander Esch, an Idaho native, was a three-sport standout in high school before joining Boise State. Vander Esch made 188 tackles, five sacks, and four forced fumbles in his career, earning Mountain West Conference player of the year accolades in 2017.
