Jerry Jones and company had to cut a man on Wednesday that has been with the team since they drafted him in 2005.  That man was Jay Ratliff.  Dallas put Ratliff on the PUP list at the start of training camp after he suffered a strained hamstring in the conditioning run.  He was also still was recovering from a sports hernia surgery he had last December. Ratliff's agent, Mark Slough, said the surgery was much more severe than a typical sports hernia.

Rich Schultz , Getty Images
Rich Schultz , Getty Images
loading...

Ratliff (Pictured on the left) made a statement to the Cowboys through his agent, “First, let me say thank you to the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones for taking a chance on me in 2005. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Cowboys, and it was always my desire to begin and end my career here in Dallas. But I understand this business, and now it’s time to move on, turn the page and begin again. To all my teammates, I want to wish them nothing but the best. Stay strong, keep fighting and always believe. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you, but I will always support you and value our time together. And lastly, to all the Cowboy fans, I want to say it was an honor to play for you. Cowboy fans are the best fans in the NFL, and I thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown to me these past nine years. I will miss you.”

Ratliff made four straight Pro Bowls from 2008-11 as he thrived in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense as the nose tackle. He also played two years under Rob Ryan, including last year as he was only able to play in six games. Ratliff was able to tally just 25 tackles and no sacks in that 2012 season.

With the loss of DeMarcus Ware to a quad injury and now the conformation of Ratliff's absence, defensive coordinator Monty Kiffin has his plate full as his defensive line continues to struggle with injuries.  He will need some of the younger players to step up this week as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

More From Talk 103.9 & 1340