Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick sent shockwaves through an entire fan base by retiring suddenly at the age of 29-years old.
His loss will be felt by the Cowboys, as well as in the community, as Jerry Jones expressed following the seven-year veteran’s announcement via social media.
#Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Travis Frederick retirement:
“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.”#CowboysNation @wfaa pic.twitter.com/wGDCDEKOVZ
— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) March 23, 2020
Frederick entered the league as a first-round pick, and a source of consternation, after the Cowboys decided to trade down in the 2013 NFL Draft and selected Frederick out of the University of Wisconsin. As a player most draftniks, most notably Mike Mayock, had pegged for the third-round.
Frederick proved the Cowboys right.
All Frederick did was become an All-Pro player three times, including a first-team honor in 2016, and was named a Pro Bowler in five of his seven seasons in the league. Few centers in the league protected the quarterback better, while also leading the way for the NFL’s leading rusher, as Frederick did twice for two different players.
Frederick was remarkably durable as well, starting 96 games over the course of his career. The only time he missed was during the 2018 season when he dealt with the debilitating Gullain-Barre syndrome that shelved him for the season.
With Frederick retiring, the question becomes, how will the Cowboys replace him under center? Luckily for the team, they have options.
Breaking down salary cap impact of Frederick’s retirement
Veteran Joe Looney filled in admirably in 2018 and helped guide Ezekiel Elliott to a rushing title in Frederick’s absence. Looney was recently re-signed by the Cowboys and could be the answer again in the upcoming season.
However, last year’s third-round pick, Connor McGovern, also has experience at the position. McGovern played guard at Penn St. in his final season, but also played center in his first two years there. Although McGovern was brought in to compete with Connor Williams at left guard, the Cowboys might have to alter that course.
It’s a big blow to the Cowboys, but having two solid in-house options to take over for Frederick softens the fall. Dallas could also utilize the draft to fortify the position if necessary.
Frederick was huge part of the Cowboys’ offensive success in the last seven years. He was one of the top centers in the game and Frederick will not be easily replaced.
The Cowboys will miss having the stability and excellence of Travis Frederick under center.
You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi
[vertical-gallery id=642132][vertical-gallery id=642002][lawrence-newsletter]