Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee has been a key piece of the franchise’s defense throughout much of his impressive NFL career.

However, things have begun to wind down a bit for him over the last several months, dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has led to him to admit that he is in the final stretch of his career.

By way of Jane Slater of The NFL Network.

Asked LB Sean Lee if he’s beginning to feel like he’s now in 4th quarter of his career given the retirements of teammates Tony Romo, Jason Witten and DeMarco Murray. As DC Rod Marinelli reminded us as interviewers lately “enjoy being around him”. “He’s special.” pic.twitter.com/Rb3LVfQNE5 — Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) December 28, 2018

This isn’t an indication he believes his time in the NFL is quickly coming to a close, but a realization that he is entering the final few years of his career. He is currently in his ninth season in the league, having spent it entirely with the Cowboys. During this span, he has established himself as one of the top players in the league (when healthy).

Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to show that to the fullest extent this season due to his limited playing time, largely because of hamstring injuries that forced him to miss eight games. This has also opened the door for the Cowboys find their next generation of linebackers to depend on, as both Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch have emerged as highly productive and crucial pieces to the defense

This has also eased Lee more into a secondary role with that unit. This may help extend his career a bit with the Cowboys not being so reliant on him. Nonetheless, Dallas looks to be set whenever he does decide to call it a career.