IRVING, Texas – DeVonte Holloman's decision to walk away from a football career was an easy one even if it brings an end to the childhood dreams of playing for the Dallas Cowboys.
“Considering my health and my family, yes, it’s an easy decision but it’ll be tough to not be out there,” Holloman said. “That hardest part about it is being functional as in everyday life but not being able to play.”
Holloman is suffering from stenosis, a narrowing of his spinal canal, at the C-3, C-4 level. He missed seven games last year with the injury but was able to return and started the final two games, making 11 tackles and two sacks in the final game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Holloman aggravated the injury in the Aug. 16 preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens and knew it was bad. His arm locked up briefly after making contact.
“I was told last year if it happened again that it might be the end, so in the back of my mind I kind of knew what was getting ready to happen,” Holloman said. “So I had plenty of time to prepare myself.”
A sixth-round pick in 2013, Holloman was viewed as a possible replacement for Sean Lee, who was lost for the season in May with a knee injury, at middle linebacker, as well as a core special team player.
“Of course it’s a dream fulfilled,” he said of his brief tenure. “I got to be out here for a year and play against guys that I watched on TV and played with guys that I watched, and I learned a lot over this year.”
Holloman said the Cowboys have offered to help with whatever he needs as he transitions out of playing the game. He said he could coach in the future. That hardest part will be watching
“Just watching the past preseason game and I was jittery,” Holloman said. “My daughter and my girlfriend were trying to be around me and I was just into the game. It’ll be hard but I’m still rooting for all the guys and I’m a Cowboys fan for life.”
