Sean Lee announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday. The linebacker played 11 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.
A Pittsburgh native, he played his college football for Penn State. The Cowboys selected Lee in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was named to two Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016.
“It’s been a complete honor,” Lee told ESPN. “I’ve been blessed to play for the incredible Jones family, with such great coaches and teammates that I love like brothers. I loved every minute playing and tried to pour my heart and soul into winning and helping my teammates at all costs.”
“To say the injuries were frustrating would be an understatement, but the support I received through them all was humbling and the lessons I learned battling adversity will last a lifetime. There are always regrets, but I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish and I leave this game grateful.”
The 34-year-old had 995 tackles in his career; that’s eighth in team history. Over his career, he averaged 8.4 tackles per game, which also places him in the top 10 in Cowboys history.
He also tacked on 14 career interceptions, including two pick-6s. He had five fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, 59 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Throughout his career, Lee struggled to stay healthy. He was sidelined with injuries to his wrist, toe, knee, neck, hamstring, core and suffered concussions. He missed the entire 2014 season.
In 2020, he played nine games after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia in September.
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys tackles Nelson Agholor #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) 
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 26: Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys closes in on Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions during the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Time at Penn State
Lee played five seasons for the Nittany Lions after the linebacker missed his senior season due to a right knee injury. He was named a co-captain in his final season.
“The highly-skilled and passionate linebacker has exhibited tremendous work ethic and attitude throughout his career and his rehabilitation was no different, providing him with a chance to participate in all non-contact work during spring practice,” the team’s website says of Lee.
Lee’s junior season brought some buzz in 2007, posting a record 138 tackles to earn All-Big Ten and Defensive MVL honors in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The 138 tackles ranked him No. 5 on the Penn State season list. He was selected a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly in 2007.
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 9: Brady Quinn #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs from the pressure of Sean Lee #45 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 9, 2006 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 07: Tight end Matt Spaeth #89 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is tackled by Anthony Scirrotto #7 and Sean Lee #45 of the Penn State Nittany Lions as Penn State defeated Minnesota 28-27 in overtime on October 7, 2006 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) 
Penn State linebacker Sean Lee during the 2007 Outback Bowl between Penn State and Tennessee at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on January 1, 2007. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** 
SAN ANTONIO – DECEMBER 29: Sean Lee #45 of the Penn State Nittany Lions holds the trophy after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies in the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 29, 2007 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Penn State won 24-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) 
STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 7: Linebacker Sean Lee #45 of the Penn State Nittany Lions sits on the bench during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 7, 2009 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. Ohio State won 24-7. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Lee was a graduate of Upper St. Clair HS where he played football and basketball.
Penn State’s website described Lee as a focused competitor, and “a playmaker who brings tremendous desire and tenacity to every snap. He is one of the squad’s most personable and service-oriented members, participating in the THON Make-A-Wish program, student-athlete reading program, Habitat for Humanity and the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Summer Games, in addition to other community service activities.”
