Much has been said lately about the possible retirement of Sean Lee. The veteran linebacker just wrapped up his 11th season with the Cowboys, yet another he hasn’t been able to play fully due to injuries. And just as he has for the past two seasons, the “General Lee” will take time out during the offseason to make a decision about his future.
This is what he revealed during his statements to the media last Sunday, just after the Cowboys’ loss to the Giants. Lee, 34, does not hesitate to express his love for the game and the cowboy team. However, he has made it clear that retiring as a player is not something he can decide lightly.
Cowboys LB Sean Lee on his playing future: “I love this team. I love this organization. I love this game. I still think I have a lot to give. … We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.” Lee said he’ll take some time and talk it over with his family
– Jon Machota (onjonmachota) January 3, 2021
“As you get older, it is what it is: you get older and question things“Lee told the media after the game against New York. “I still think I have a lot to give, but at the same time, you recognize that as you get older, physically things change. I’ll take some time, talk to my family and really think about it. “
Of course, Sean Lee wants to keep playing. However, no matter how eager you are, your production will continue to decline. And injuries can continue to affect you. So this may be the time to step aside, even if it means giving up something you love.
“I’ve been very lucky to be a part of this”declared the veteran linebacker. “I love all my teammates. Being able to play has been a dream. And giving it up is not easy. You want to win a Super Bowl. You love to play, you love to practice daily. It is a more difficult decision than I thought. Then we’ll see. We’ll see what happens and I’ll take some time. But I have been very lucky and blessed. “
This isn’t the first time Sean Lee has flirted with retirement, nor is it the second. In the 2018 season, shortly after the Cowboys’ elimination in the divisional round of the playoffs, Lee took time to talk with his family about his future. After the 2019 season, the situation was almost the same, since he became a free agent in March 2020 but signed a one-year agreement with the cowboy team.
It is worth mentioning that “General Lee” has had a more supporting role since the 2019 season, serving as support to the young Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. However, LVE’s injuries have forced Lee to step up, as long as he wasn’t on hand as well.
Besides, Sean Lee’s numbers this season have been low. In nine games played, he only recorded 20 tackles, the lowest number of his career. However, it should be noted that he missed several games at the start of the season due to a hernia that required surgery. Besides, Lee only started the last two games this season, this due to Vander Esch’s injury loss.
Could Sean Lee become a coach after retiring?
However, an eventual retirement of “General Lee” as a player does not mean that he will leave the playing field completely. In fact, it is highly likely that Lee will become a coach once he decides to hang up his boots.
On more than one occasion, both teammates and members of the Cowboys coaching staff have highlighted Sean Lee’s intelligence and understanding of the game. On more than one occasion, he has been seen studying and analyzing strategies, something that is rarely seen in players. Besides, he is able to motivate his colleagues and has great leadership. This could be seen in the last game against the Eagles, just when the Cowboys were behind on the scoreboard.
For this and more, it is highly likely that Lee will become a coach once he decides to retire. In fact, coach Mike McCarthy was open to advising Lee when he decides to take the plunge. Even the veteran linebacker could have a place on the cowboy team coaching staff.
Mike McCarthy said he has briefly talked with Sean Lee about becoming a coach after his playing career. McCarthy said he told Lee: “If you’re dumb enough to get into coaching, we should definitely talk.”
– Jon Machota (onjonmachota) December 21, 2020
For now, it remains to be expected what decision Sean Lee will make in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: If you decide to retire, your football career will not be over. In fact, your love of the sport is likely to go to the next level.
