The father of Leighton Vander Esch, the former Dallas Cowboys player, was arrested for attempted strangulation in Idaho at the weekend.
Darwin Vander Esch was also arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery and intentional destruction of a telecommunication device.
The 61-year-old is currently in custody with no bond set.
Police received a call about domestic battery in the early hours of December 1 and arrested Vander Esch shortly after cops arrived at the scene.
His son is yet to publicly comment on the incident involving his father.
Leighton Vander Esch, a former linebacker, announced his retirement earlier this year after six seasons.
Darwin Vander Esch, father of ex-Cowboys player Leighton, has been arrested in Idaho
Leighton Vander Esch retired earlier this year due to the impact of injuries on his body
The Cowboys linebacker, 28, was the organization’s first round pick in 2018 and was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season.
But he struggled with neck issues throughout his time in the NFL and said that injuries had caught up with him when he announced that he was calling it a day.
‘I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer,’ he said.
‘I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.’
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones paid tribute to Vander Esch upon his announcement, saying: ‘His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker.
‘His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed.’
The Cowboys are currently third in the NFC East on 5-7, three wins behind second-place Washington Commanders. They beat the New York Giants in their last game, on Thanksgiving.
