As Zack Martin closed the chapter on his illustrious NFL career Wednesday, a familiar face watched from the crowd during his retirement speech and reflected on how one rookie guard in 2014 helped the Dallas Cowboys return to playoff form.

In the first round of the 2014 draft, the Dallas Cowboys owner made one more pass to speak to the player personnel department and scouts, looking to stoke interest in taking Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and not guard Zack Martin.

Zack Martin cleared his throat frequently to control his emotions while the man most responsible for his decorated 11-season career with the Dallas Cowboys dabbed at his moist eyes a few times. The comic relief during Martin's retirement ceremony with his only NFL team came soon enough Wednesday with veiled references to 2014.

Zack Martin bid an emotional farewell to football before a packed house Wednesday. Jerry Jones promised him a spot in the Ring of Honor before Canton.

Former Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin, who recently announced his retirement after 11 NFL seasons, will be inducted into the Team's Ring of Honor. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made the announcement during Martin's retirement press conference on Wednesday.

Zack Martin's retirement press conference included a funny moment with Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones regarding a mistake Jones nearly made 11 years earlier. Martin, who has decided to retire following an 11-year career that will likely end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,

Zack Martin won't be playing guard for the Cowboys anymore, but he will remain part of the landscape at the team's games for many years to come.