On Monday, Travis Frederick became the seventh starter to leave the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 offseason and the team’s third loss in the offensive line. Frederick, who returned to the field last year after battling Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2018, released the following tweet announcing his retirement.
— Travis Frederick (@tfrederick72) March 23, 2020
Frederick was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2013 NFL Draft and spent his entire career with the organization. The center played and started in 96 games during his time with Dallas and posted one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Frederick went to five Pro Bowls in his career and was named to the 2013 NFL All-Rookie team. He was also a 2016 First-Team All-Pro.
Frederick explains in his announcement that his diagnosis of GBS and putting his priorities into perspective weighed on his decision to leave the NFL seven years after first joining the league when many are still considered to be in their prime.
In part, Frederick writes:
“After much consideration, discussion, and reflection, I have decided to retire from football. This was not an easy decision. I entered the league at 22 years old, unsure of where life would lead. I since have married, welcomed two beautiful, healthy children into this world, and achieved professional levels of which I could have never dreamed.
“I started a journey almost two years ago that completely blindsidesd me. When I developed Guillian-Barre Syndrome, I did not know how to handle things. I was scared. That experience forced me to reevaluate my life priorities. … Most of all I realized the importance of my family and how much I want to be there for their peaks and valleys as they were for me.
“I am so thankful for the last seven years; however, I look forward to the next chapter of life. Kaylee and I will continue to make a postive imapct on the Dallas community which has given us so much. Best of luck to the 2020 Dallas Cowboys and the Franchise in the future.”
Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, issued a statement in response to Frederick’s retirement, proclaiming nothing but love and respect for Frederick.
a statement from Jerry Jones on Frederick’s retirement: pic.twitter.com/owsauwOnnG
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) March 23, 2020
Jones called Frederick “the core piece of what I believe to be one of the most talented and skilled NFL offensives lines that has been assembled.”
He continued on:
“At the pinnacle of his success, his career on the field was only exceeded by a rare display of courage and determination in overcoming a life-threatening illness and returning to the game–a challenge that could only be completed by a person with a rare level of perseverance and strength.”
Thank You Travis. pic.twitter.com/lre65XcTtS
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) March 23, 2020
