BREAKING NEWS: Micah Parsons Has Aggressively Declare Without Fear That He Will…SEE MORE
In a game in October 2023, Williams—a three-time All-Pro and eleven-time Pro Bowler—blocked Vander Esch from behind, sending the experienced Cowboys linebacker head-first into linebacker Micah Parsons. Due to a cervical neck injury, Vander Esch was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Video replay of the block circulating on social media led to disgust — and blame — by fans. Vander Esch, who had a history of neck injuries, couldn’t pass a physical to play again, thus ending his six-year NFL career.
“L. Vander Esch’s career is ended, according to #49ers LT Trent Williams, according to fans of the NFL. They also advertise Trent as a “dirty player,” according to a fan on X. “Do Niners fans think Trent is a dirty player? I’m curious.”
Williams didn’t receive any penalty by the NFL for his hit on Vander Esch, which came a week after he punched a New York Giants defensive lineman and was fined $11,000.
Leighton Vander Esch Has Experienced Many Neck-Related Injuries in the Past
Vander Esch has a long history of neck issues dating back to his time as a Boise State student. It all started when he lost half of his sophomore season in 2016 due to a pinched nerve.
In 2019, he had a neck nerve injury while playing for the Cowboys, missing seven games. Following that season, Vander Esch underwent spinal stenosis surgery.
