The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to select Zack Martin over Johnny Manziel in the 2014 NFL Draft remains one of the most significant and defining moments in franchise history. At the time, the Cowboys had a glaring need for a quarterback, as the future of Tony Romo, their starting QB, was uncertain due to his injury history. Johnny Manziel, the brash, dual-threat quarterback from Texas A&M, was one of the most talked-about prospects in that draft class. His electrifying college career and larger-than-life personality made him a perfect fit for the spotlight of Dallas, a city known for its obsession with football. Yet, the Cowboys’ front office, led by owner Jerry Jones, opted for Zack Martin, an offensive guard from Notre Dame, to bolster their offensive line instead.
This decision, while initially questioned by some, would prove to be one of the best draft choices in the history of the Cowboys and would lead to a legendary career for Martin, who became the cornerstone of Dallas’s offensive line for years to come.
The Draft Decision
In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cowboys were sitting at pick No. 16. The team’s most immediate need seemed to be at quarterback. Romo, despite his immense talent, had a history of injuries, and his future was uncertain. Enter Johnny Manziel, who had captured the imagination of football fans across the country. A Heisman Trophy winner at Texas A&M, Manziel’s unique combination of mobility, playmaking ability, and swagger made him an attractive option for a team looking to rebuild around a new face at quarterback. Manziel was seen by many as the ideal choice for the Cowboys, especially given the team’s position in a quarterback-driven league.
But Jerry Jones, along with the Cowboys’ front office and scouting team, saw the game a little differently. They recognized that while quarterback was an important need, protecting the quarterback was even more crucial. The Cowboys had already seen how devastating injuries could be to Romo’s career, and they knew that the best way to ensure sustained success was to provide him with the best possible protection.
That’s when Zack Martin, one of the best offensive linemen in the country, came into play. Martin had been a dominant force at Notre Dame, where he played tackle before transitioning to guard in the NFL. His football intelligence, versatility, and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage made him an easy choice for a team that prided itself on a strong, physical offensive line. While it was tempting to take Manziel, especially with the potential to create an electric offense, the Cowboys chose to build from the trenches, a decision that would pay massive dividends.
The Immediate Impact
When Zack Martin was selected with the 16th overall pick, the immediate reaction from many Cowboys fans was one of surprise. A highly skilled offensive guard was certainly valuable, but the team’s struggles at quarterback had led to an assumption that a QB would be taken in the first round. However, the Cowboys quickly realized that this move would solidify their offensive line, which had been inconsistent in recent years.
From the moment Martin stepped onto the field as a rookie, he made an immediate impact. His physicality, technical prowess, and intelligence transformed the Cowboys’ offensive line into one of the best in the NFL. Alongside fellow linemen like Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and La’el Collins, Martin became a key piece of one of the most dominant front lines in the league. His ability to neutralize pass rushers and create running lanes for the Cowboys’ backfield allowed the offense to function at a high level. The team’s offense began to show marked improvement, especially in 2014 when the Cowboys finished with a 12-4 record.
That year, the Cowboys had one of the league’s best rushing attacks, with DeMarco Murray winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Murray rushed for a franchise-record 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, and much of his success could be attributed to the outstanding play of Martin and his fellow linemen. The offensive line was the backbone of a potent attack that helped lead the Cowboys to their first NFC East title in three years.
Establishing a Legacy
While Zack Martin’s impact was immediately felt in his rookie season, his legacy began to take shape in the years that followed. Over the next several seasons, Martin continued to dominate as one of the top offensive guards in the league. His combination of size, strength, agility, and football IQ made him an elite talent. He was a constant presence on the Cowboys’ offensive line, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors year after year. By the end of the decade, Martin had established himself as one of the best guards in NFL history.
The Cowboys’ offense continued to flourish, and much of that success was due to the stability Martin brought to the offensive line. Despite the team’s ups and downs at the quarterback position, Martin’s play ensured that the Cowboys’ rushing attack remained one of the most formidable in the NFL. Whether it was Ezekiel Elliott rushing for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns in his rookie season or later years when the Cowboys relied on a committee of running backs, Martin was at the heart of it all. His ability to open up running lanes for his teammates and protect the quarterback in the pocket was invaluable to the success of the Cowboys’ offense.
The Cowboys’ Success with Martin
With Martin anchoring the offensive line, the Cowboys enjoyed a period of sustained success. While they did not win a Super Bowl during this time, the team regularly made playoff appearances, and their offensive line was consistently ranked among the league’s best. Martin’s leadership on the field and his consistency in play helped keep the team competitive in a division filled with talented teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Football Team.
In 2016, Martin was a key contributor to the Cowboys’ offensive explosion, helping rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott lead the team to a 13-3 record. Although the Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs that season by the Green Bay Packers, the team’s future seemed bright, and Martin’s presence on the offensive line was a major reason why.
A Hall of Fame Career
By the time Martin reached his sixth season in the NFL, his place in Cowboys history was already secure. Over his career, Martin became a six-time Pro Bowler and a five-time First Team All-Pro selection. His name was constantly mentioned in discussions about the best guards in NFL history, and his influence on the Cowboys’ success over the years was undeniable.
For a franchise that had seen its fair share of highs and lows, Martin’s sustained excellence provided a sense of stability and consistency. His leadership in the locker room and his performance on the field made him a fan favorite and a beloved figure in Dallas.
While the Cowboys had made several questionable draft decisions in their history, the decision to draft Zack Martin over Johnny Manziel would prove to be one of the most prescient moves in team history. It was a choice that prioritized long-term success over short-term flashiness, and it paid off in spades. The Cowboys’ offense was built to last, and Zack Martin was its foundation.
As the years went by, it became clear that the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to take Zack Martin over Johnny Manziel was not just the right choice—it was the defining move that set the stage for the team’s success throughout the 2010s. Martin’s legendary career, highlighted by his dominance on the offensive line, cemented his place as one of the best guards to ever play the game. While Johnny Manziel’s career quickly fizzled out, Martin’s legacy continued to grow, and he became one of the cornerstones of the Cowboys’ offense for more than a decade.
In the end, it was a wise decision that not only shaped the Cowboys’ future but also proved that sometimes the best draft picks aren’t the flashy, high-profile ones, but the ones that lay the groundwork for sustained success.
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