With the Dallas Cowboys rebuilding their linebacker corps in the off-season, former pro bowler Leighton Vander Esch is hoping a bounceback campaign is in sight.
OXNARD, California – Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch enters the final year of his rookie deal.
However, the former first round pick of 2018 doesn’t want to prove himself just because the Cowboys didn’t make use of his option for the fifth year. For Vander Esch, proving oneself is an annual process.
“You have to prove yourself every year,” said Vander Esch. “You have to prove yourself with every snapshot. Otherwise you won’t last long. That’s the mindset you need to have because if you haven’t and aren’t out there trying to do your best for you teammates and stick to these standards every single game to get your job done and as professional as you can possible, why are you out there at all? “
The former Boise State product flashed in its rookie year with 140 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions in 16 games, of which he started 11.
Vander Esch’s efforts were good enough to get him a Pro Bowl selection.
#Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch told @dfwticket that making NFL Top 100 doesn’t matter. Individual performances do not play a role. It’s all about the team. pic.twitter.com/mrsMWXWM9U
– Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) September 10, 2019
In the past two seasons, Vander Esch was defeated with only 19 logged games due to injury. The lack of availability has instructed Vander Esch not to leave any calories unburned in the pursuit of perfect football health.
“I try not to eat so much – I think you could say – the bad, the junk food,” said Vander Esch.
These junk foods include sodas, alcohol, and even raising canes. The 6-4, 256-pound linebacker works daily with team nutritionist Scott Sehnert to feed his body the best foods to maximize its performance.
“When we go to the cafeteria, we have a couple of dinners, breakfast, whatever, and he helps me build my plate the way he thinks I need,” said Vander Esch.
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So far, as good as the 25-year-old from Riggins, Idaho, claims he’s in the best shape he’s ever had for a training camp – a testament to the hard work Vander Esch has shown throughout the off-season.
Vander Esch said: “This offseason was ready for me from the end of the season. On this mission I said I would be there and I was at the facility every day to work, run, I treat my body right, eat better, get therapy, massage and all that stuff. I think it paid off. “
After a disappointing 2019 season with Vander Esch playing nine games due to a neck injury, the linebacker didn’t have the best rehab in 2020.
“I have lowered my body fat percentage and obviously gained a lean mass,” said Vander Esch. “I think I’ve been trying to gain weight for the past few years, but it wasn’t necessarily the right weight. But I’ve been training all of the off-season starting in January. So keep losing body fat percentage and gaining lean mass.”
The results are visible in a week’s training camp. Trainer Mike McCarthy says Vander Esch’s work in the weight room is evident on the training field during the off-season.
“He did a great job in the weight room and his body and movement reflect that,” said McCarthy.
Mike McCarthy of the #Cowboys says he thinks Leighton Vander Esch’s injury story is more of “bad luck” and not exactly injury-prone.
– Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) July 27, 2021
Vander Esch also plays with new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn in a scheme that could capitalize on his talents and give him the best opportunity to land a new contract, be it with the Cowboys or elsewhere.
“It’s a scheme that I fit into,” said Vander Esch. “I think that’s obvious. So I’m just grateful that DQ is our coordinator and the rest of the coaches that we have around us. I think they do a good job teaching it and the foundation for it too.” lay that we can go. ” to be out there and play fast and have fun and develop that identity for us. “
It doesn’t matter whether Vander Esch was in the first or last year of his contract – the linebacker appreciates the pressure.
“I’m a ball player,” said Vander Esch. “I still get paid to play professional football. So I have no complaints. I just focus on the season.”
Do you think Leighton Vander Esch can return in Pro Bowl form in 2021? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh0VRCKgPsw
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