Veteran Cowboys Player Calls it Quits After 12 Seasons

WHO:

Heavy NFL - CJ Goodwin, Dallas Cowboys special teams ace and captain

dallascowboys.com - Dak Prescott, second longest-tenured Cowboy on the roster

WHAT:

Heavy NFL - CJ Goodwin announced his retirement after 12 seasons in the NFL, eight with the Cowboys.

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin played in 108 games for the Cowboys since joining the team in 2018.

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin recorded 69 tackles with the Cowboys, ranking ninth in Cowboys history, and 87 tackles in his NFL career.

dallascowboys.com - In 2021, Goodwin became the first player in franchise history to lead the team in special teams tackles for three consecutive seasons.

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin notched 2,211 snaps on special teams during his eight seasons with Dallas.

WHERE:

dallascowboys.com - Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys

WHEN:

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin was signed by the Cowboys off of Cincinnati's practice squad in October 2018.

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin was named one of the Cowboys' six captains in 2025.

WHY:

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin's retirement leaves a gap in the Cowboys' special teams, necessitating the search for a replacement.

HOW:

dallascowboys.com - Goodwin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers after a tryout, following a recommendation from Mel Blount.

CJ Goodwin, a special teams ace and captain for the Dallas Cowboys, has announced his retirement after an impressive twelve seasons in the NFL, with eight of those years spent in Dallas. During his time with the Cowboys, Goodwin played in 108 games, recorded 69 tackles, and made history by leading the team in special teams tackles for three consecutive seasons. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Cowboys' special teams, prompting the team to begin the search for a suitable replacement.