Leighton Vander Esch

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his excitement to be practicing in pads again, what it takes to be an elite defense and more.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts on the culture created by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and what it will mean for the Cowboys defense this season.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb joins the Cowboys touchdown party with an 18-yard catch that comes via a wheel route.

Lineback Leighton Vander Esch updates the media on his injury status and chances on returning to the inline up in time for the Playoffs and more.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch throws Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds to the turf with a one-handed tackle.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch swarms Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for the Cowboys' SIXTH sack of the game.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch intercepts a Justin Herbert pass attempt across the field.

Now in his fifth season, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has taken on more of a leadership role on defense with time in the system.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts winning the 2022 Reliant Home Run Derby, his second season under Dan Quinn and more.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch REFUSES to let Deebo Samuel beyond chains on huge third-down stop.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch cashes in a tipped pass for an interception.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts following a 25-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts following a 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch says you never know what you're going to get when you face a Bill Belichick-coached team.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts following a 44-20 win over the New York Giants.

Leighton Vander Esch says former Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith left an encouraging message for the defense that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn shared with the group.

LB Leighton Vander Esch talks about his expanded role with Keanu Neal ruled out for MNF vs the Philadelphia Eagles, his production with a lower snap count and more.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts following a 20-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

LB Leighton Vander Esch talk about practicing in the Texas heat as his team is preparing to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium and more.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch shares his thoughts following a 20-14 preseason loss to the Houston Texans.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch talks about playing along side rookie LB Micah Parsons, becoming a leader in their position group and more.

LB Leighton Vander Esch talks about the Cowboys not picking up his 5th-year option and having something to prove this year.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch didn't have his fifth-year option picked up, but he says his relationship with the Jones family is "amazing" and he's looking forward to this season.

Before being drafted 19th overall by the Cowboys in 2018, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch participated in a pre-draft visit with the team. Here's a flashback to the Wolf Hunter's 30 visit.

LB Leighton Vander Esch updates his injury status and shares his thoughts on the 2021 season.

The linebacker spot is rather tricky because of the versatility and position flex that goes in and out of the position. Today's 20 Questions series involves trying to predict the starting lineup at linebacker.

It wasn't simply an impressive rookie debut for Damone Clark in 2022, it was one that nearly didn't happen at all, and his first true offseason now has him aimed at the moon.

Leighton Vander Esch did his best work as a good Samaritan for the second straight year at the Reliant Home Run Derby, though it came at the expense of some less fortunate baseballs. 

The Cowboys have some front-line linebackers in Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch, but still have a lot of youth at the position as we head into the NFL Draft next week.

LVE officially signed a two-year deal through the 2024 season, his second extension in as many seasons, following a one-year deal signed in 2022.

There is no shortage of talent heading into NFL free agency this offseason, and the Cowboys will do their best to try and keep several of their own players from heading out of town

As the Cowboys try to retain LVE to avoid issues at linebacker, they do so with NFL free agency presenting several options at the position 

The Cowboys have some difficult decisions to make in free agency, with some like Tony Pollard and Leighton Vander Esch topping the list.

Micah Parsons is who most will think of at LB for the Cowboys, but the position of true LB in Dallas was dominated by Leighton Vander Esch in 2022, and he is again a free agent.

The Cowboys defense hasn't looked as stout with Leighton Vander Esch sidelined due to injury, but the former All-Pro is champing at the bit to suit up again once the playoffs roll around

The Cowboys were waiting with bated breath for the results of Leighton Vander Esch's MRI on Monday, but it appears the former Pro Bowler sidestepped the worst-case scenario

There's no rest for the Cowboys run defense in Week 13, because Jonathan Taylor is dangerous and they know it — LVE explaining how to keep the good times rolling.

Same man you were in your 2018 rookie season when the Cowboys 19th pick in the NFL Draft stepped in for an injured Sean Lee to start 11 of 16 games.

In assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the Cowboys' roster following the draft, is it fair to wonder if they could use some additional depth a linebacker?

The Cowboys added some much-needed depth at the linebacker position by bringing back LVE to a one-year deal. 

The Cowboys have known all along they won't be able to sign all of their coveted free agents. Here's a look at some players who will likely get plenty of attention from other teams and could be on the move by next week.

For Micah Parsons and the Cowboys' linebackers, the news of Jaylon Smith's release served as a reminder of the realities of professional football.

Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch had snap totals in the teens against Tampa Bay, but Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn says both will play more as the season goes along.

 Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch says he's "on a mission" to help the defense rebound from last season's struggles.

Leighton Vander Esch doesn't draw any extra motivation from his contract status or the team's additions at linebacker. He's had the same mindset all offseason: help Dallas get back to the playoffs.

With Monday serving as the deadline to make a decision, the Cowboys did not pick up Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option. That means the 2018 first-round draft pick is entering the final season of his rookie deal.

Sean Lee's retirement doesn't come as a huge shock, but it does prompt questions about the Cowboys' future at linebacker, as well as what to do with Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option.

Luck wasn't on Leighton Vander Esch's side last year thanks to injuries, but a rebound season from the 2018 first-round pick would be a major boost for the defense.

Leighton Vander Esch didn't necessarily need to talk about his frustration or his determination, it could all be easily heard in his voice.

Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Vander Esch has a sprain and said the starting linebacker's availability against Philadelphia is in doubt at this point in the week.