Cowboys C Frederick is retiring

Cowboys center Travis Frederick retired from the NFL on Monday, citing the challenges of trying to play at a high level while living with GuillainBarre Syndrome.

The 29-year-old played five seasons in the league, but had to skip the 2018 season when he was diagnosed with the disorder, which can cause numbness, pain and weakness in the arms and legs, as well as respiratory failure.

“I made my return to the field, played well overall, and was selected to the Pro Bowl, but it was a difficult year for me,” Frederick said in a statement. “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.”

Dallas now has a huge hole at center, but it’s not quite the end of the world for them. They have three elite offensive linemen in Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and La’el Collins. They also still have the core of their skill talent intact, with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper confirmed to return to Dallas when football activities resume.

Still, this is a big loss for the Cowboys. Outside of the year he missed in 2018, Frederick played in, and started, all 96 possible games for his career. Frederick also never missed a snap in those seasons.

Not only is the talent and leadership being lost with Frederick’s retirement, the Cowboys are also losing the continuity he brought. But the timing of Frederick’s retirement gives Dallas a chance to use free agency and the draft to find a solution.