The father of retired Dallas Cowboys star Leighton Vander Esch was arrested in Idaho over the weekend on several charges, chief among them being a felony attempted strangulation rap.
The Idaho County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 12:16 AM on December 1st regarding a domestic battery incident outside the city of Riggins.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities arrested 61-year-old Darwin Vander Esch, citing him for felony attempted strangulation, misdemeanor domestic battery, and misdemeanor intentional destruction of a telecommunication device.
He is currently being held without bond.
Ex-NFL Star Leighton Vander Esch's Father Arrested For Attempted Strangulation | Click to read more đ https://t.co/8FlTasGiZm
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 2, 2024
Leighton Vander Esch’s Football Career
Leighton Vander Esch, born and raised in Riggins, Idaho, was a notable athlete in his community before rising to fame in professional football.
Vander Esch attended Salmon River High School, where he was a three-sport athlete – football, basketball, and track.
His football career continued as a walk-on at Boise State University, and he was drafted in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Over his six seasons in the NFL, he recorded 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie year.
Medical issues forced him into an early retirement.
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His Dad’s In Hot Water
This incident involving Darwin Vander Esch comes months after Leighton announced his retirement from the NFL in March of 2024. A series of neck injuries ended his playing career.
One significant neck injury, part of an ongoing health concern since 2019, influenced Leighton’s decision to retire in the 2023 season.
âI love the game of football so much, and my body wonât cooperate any longer,â Vander Esch said in a statement announcing his retirement. âI cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.â
While the former linebacker has not publicly commented on his father’s arrest, the event has drawn attention due to Leighton’s well-known status in the NFL community.
Later reports suggest his father was released on bond.
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