Dallas Cowboys: Why nobody cares about DeMarco Murray’s retirement

With running back DeMarco Murray running to retirement, let’s discuss what that means for the Dallas Cowboys. Was the big decision in 2014 validated now?

Football clubs are defined by who they draft and sign, but more importantly, who they don’t sign. Former Dallas Cowboys running back, DeMarco Murray, is taking his talents off the football field.

At just 30 years young, he’s retiring. So, why doesn’t anyone really care?

To be fair, this isn’t a bash him into bits article. A running back’s shelf life is considered a hard one in the NFL. The very definition of “not for long” is spelled out for the tailbacks.

Once a back adds some miles on their odometer, it’s fair to say some clubs are already eyeing the next workhorse. Used cars might have a better shot in terms of getting value for their goods.

Running backs these days are replaceable. Of course, there exists the Ezekiel Elliott and Le’Veon Bells of the world. Those guys aren’t the norm in terms of a roadmap in today’s NFL landscape. The Zeke freaks and maybe even guys like Saquon Barkley can take over the league, but let’s be real, DeMarco Murray wasn’t that guy.

So, does that mean that the Dallas Cowboys got it right with Murray? Was letting the back walk to Philly at the end of 2014 a sign that the garbage disposal system is at an optimal state? If you ask me, I give it an absolute yes.

This doesn’t diminish Murray’s talents, nor am I negotiating what he did for the Cowboys. His power and running style was palpable. The third-rounder gave an MVP type performance in 2014; he deserved his applause and we were right to bow.

But, the Cowboys were right to let him walk, which is why nobody really cares about his retirement announcement. After running for 1,845 yards in 2014, along with 13 scores, Murray never shaped into the same running back for the Eagles or Titans.

In two of his three seasons, he failed to eclipse the 1,000-yard marker. He never had double-digit touchdown scores. Twice he posted career-low averages (3.6 in 2015 and 2017).

Durability, a question even when he was in Dallas, was an issue. In his three seasons away from the Cowboys, Murray missed nine regular-season games. Overall, Murray walks into the sunset rushing for 7,174 yards total with 49 rushing touchdowns.

To compare, he gained 4,526 yards over his four seasons with the Cowboys. In addition, he totaled 28 rushing touchdowns in Big D.

I hate to put my stamp on this, but I was right about letting Murray go in 2014. I was right then, and I am right now.

The Cowboys are getting it right by letting the talent go when the time is right. This isn’t a dig at Dez Bryant either, but I’m leaning towards another mental victory for the Cowboys on that one.

Next: The top 10 Dallas Cowboys to never win a Super Bowl

DeMarco Murray was drafted. He ran for the Dallas Cowboys. The time was short, only four seasons, but it was memorable. We moved on. We saw a better future. The Cowboys gained Ezekiel Elliott, and the rest is history.