The Dallas Cowboys’ were dealt a surprising blow Monday when five-time Pro-Bowl center Travis Frederick announced he was retiring at the age of 29.
Frederick, who missed all of the 2018 season after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease, started all 16 games for the Cowboys last season.
He posted a long statement on social media, saying that in 2019 his serious health issues weren’t making it able for him to play at the level he was used to and that it was time for him to move on:
“It was a difficult year for me. Each day I faced a struggle: I could no longer perform at my highest level. Playing ‘well’ is not what I expect of myself and is not what my teammates deserve. Because of this, I know my days as a football player are done. I am proud of what I have accomplished in my career, and I walk away with my head held high.”
Here’s the post:
Cowboys fans will miss him:
Travis Frederick was an incredible football player and what he did coming back from such a serious illness was amazing and I hope he has an excellent life in retirement and that a few years from now Jerry puts No. 72 in the ring of honor. I don't care if he only played 6 seasons.
— Yaya Dubin (@JADubin5) March 24, 2020
Thank you for everything you’ve done for this organization, Travis Frederick! pic.twitter.com/5WVm78IeWc
— ✭Cowboys News✭ (@DemBoyz_News) March 23, 2020
When the Cowboys win the Super Bowl this year we still gotta give a ring to Travis Frederick
— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) March 23, 2020
Going to miss these throwing sessions Travis Frederick did with Zack Martin before every game pic.twitter.com/I0aD3KgheB
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 23, 2020
Travis Frederick calling it a career.
I had tons of respect for him before GBS forced him away from the game, and that multiplied over the past 18 months. Good luck with the next chapter. https://t.co/PZrIwr7sEA
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) March 23, 2020
This is how I envisioned Travis Frederick writing his retirement statement. pic.twitter.com/ohkIAnhaR0
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 23, 2020
We appreciate your hard work and dedication Travis Frederick!!!! #BeardGang #DC4L Salute!!! pic.twitter.com/IhJbvHBhwS
— Law Thomas (@LawsNation) March 24, 2020
Travis Frederick was the best center in sports history football and basketball 🔥
— BlackPresG0d Pt2Ⓜ️ (@DripPrescott) March 24, 2020
Me getting the notification on my phone that Travis Frederick retired:#CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/mcwLJOl9W7
— Robert Andre Nozil🇭🇹 (@AndreMfnEazy) March 23, 2020
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