Retired NFL star Leighton Vander Esch’s father arrested for attempted strangulation
The father of former Dallas Cowboys player Leighton Vander Esch was arrested in Idaho over the weekend for attempted strangulation.
Darwin Vander Esch was also arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery and malicious destruction of a telecommunications device.
The 61-year-old is currently in custody with no bond set.
Police received a call about a domestic battery in the early hours of December 1 and arrested Vander Esch shortly after police arrived on the scene.
His son has not yet publicly commented on the incident involving his father.
Leighton Vander Esch, a former linebacker, announced his retirement earlier this year after six seasons.
Darwin Vander Esch, father of former Cowboys player Leighton, has been arrested in Idaho
Leighton Vander Esch retired earlier this year due to the impact of injuries on his body
The Cowboys linebacker, 28, was the organization’s first-round pick in 2018 and was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season.
But he struggled with neck problems throughout his time in the NFL and said injuries overtook him when he announced his retirement.
“I love football so much, and my body doesn’t want to cooperate anymore,” he said.
“I have cherished every moment of my NFL career and it has been such a blessing to play the game as long as I have.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones paid tribute to Vander Esch at his announcement, saying, “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker.
“His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be greatly missed.”
The Cowboys currently sit third in the NFC East at 5-7, three wins behind the second-place Washington Commanders. They defeated the New York Giants in their last game, on Thanksgiving.