A former Cowboys player retires at age 29 after keeping nerve issues secret during his career

Malik Jefferson has revealed that a serious neck and nerve condition helped bring his football career to an early end, announcing his retirement at 29 after years of playing through pain.

The former Dallas Cowboys linebacker shared the news on September 28, explaining that he’d spent much of his career dealing with injuries without fully understanding the underlying problem.

Jefferson said he eventually discovered that his C5-C7 vertebrae had been damaged and that he continues to deal with the consequences in his everyday life.

“For years, I didn’t know I was battling a nerve/neck issue,” Jefferson wrote on Instagram. “Constantly getting injuries, always in the training room, or doing extra rehab and mobility work. "Towards the end of my career, I kept playing through the pain of my arm going numb on impact. I couldn’t handle the pain anymore; it was 10/10.

“Fast forward, I discovered my C5-C7 has been damaged. Today I still suffer from those injuries and still struggle with my day to day so I’d really appreciate prayers! It’s not said enough: get pictures of your spine and neck consistently players!!”

Jefferson had previously discussed his medical problems while being recognized for his community work through his Helping Hands Foundation.

During that appearance, he explained that his retirement decision was medical and revealed additional health concerns, including hip problems that could eventually require replacement.

A promising career disrupted by injuries

Jefferson entered the NFL with significant expectations after starring at the University of Texas. He was named a Freshman All-American in 2015 and continued developing into one of the Big 12's standout defensive players.

During his final college season in 2017, he recorded 110 tackles, earned Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors and received second-team All-American recognition.

He finished his Texas career with 233 tackles and 12 sacks before declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals selected him with the 78th overall pick, making him one of the more notable linebackers available that year.

However, Jefferson's professional career never developed into the extended run that his college production had suggested. He moved between several teams before eventually joining Dallas.

The Cowboys signed him in 2022, and he appeared in three games for the team during the 2023 season, recording three tackles.

Jefferson later signed with the Detroit Lions in 2024. After suffering a finger injury during the preseason, Detroit placed him on injured reserve before releasing him with an injury settlement.

At the time, the full extent of Jefferson's broader health problems wasn't publicly known. His latest revelations provide context surrounding the physical challenges he faced, although they don't establish that his spinal and nerve conditions caused every injury or setback during his NFL career.

Now retired, Jefferson is turning his attention toward life after football and continuing his work in the Dallas community.