Vander Esch played in every game in 2021, racking up 77 tackles, a sack and an interception. But in 2022, it was more of the same. He suffered a neck stinger that cost him a few games.

Leighton Vander Esch being ruled out for the rest of the 2023 season due to his neck injury was not a surprise. Nor is the Monday news of his official retirement due to the medical issue.

Vander Esch played at Boise State from 2014 to 2017 and was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in his final season. This story was originally published November 14, 2023 at 2:47 PM ...