Lasting legacy: Notre Dame linemen still looking up to Cowboys’ Zack Martin

Zack Martin should become the highest-paid guard in the NFL in the near future. Martin and the Dallas Cowboys have expressed interest in reaching a long-term deal sooner than later, and the two sides are expected to meet at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Coach Jason Garrett praised Martin as a “cornerstone” for the organization and rightfully so, given his accolades in his four NFL seasons, which include four Pro Bowl and two first-team All-Pro selections.

That being said, it should come as no surprise that Martin remains a popular player at his alma mater, Notre Dame.

Guard Quenton Nelson, arguably the best player in the draft, and tackle Mike McGlinchey each praised Martin during their media interviews on Thursday.

“Zack Martin is an awesome guy,” Nelson said. “I never got the opportunity to play with him, unfortunately. I wish I could so I could learn so much for him. But he’s come to campus a bunch of times and has helped out all the younger guys. I’ve been able to build a relationship with him through that and I’ve got a great relationship with him.

“I’m really fortunate he’s such a great guy and great player that could teach me so much and be a friend. And be a guy that I could talk to and call whenever, in any type of process, before the combine or going into rookie camp. He’s just that type of guy and I really appreciate him.”

Added McGlinchey: “I was very fortunate that Zack Martin was the left tackle at Notre Dame when I showed up there. I spent a year directly behind him as the two-deep left tackle and got to learn under him. When Zack went into the league, we were very fortunate watching the Cowboys' offensive line that happened to have Zack Martin, Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith. So I was lucky to continue to watch them and the skill that they had.”

This story was originally published March 2, 2018 at 9:13 AM with the headline "Lasting legacy: Notre Dame linemen still looking up to Cowboys’ Zack Martin."