REPORT: Former Dallas Cowboys Star’s Mother Files For Divorce After His Father Was Arrested For Strangling Her

Leighton Vander Esch’s father (Photo via Idaho County)
The mother of former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has reportedly filed for divorce from his father following an alleged incident in which he’s said to have strangled her.

Darwin Vander Esch has been accused of strangling his wife, Sandra Vander Esch, at their home in Idaho on December 1. Darwin was arrested for attempted strangulation and battery.

According to TMZ, which cites court documents, Sandra filed for a split the following day.

Darwin allegedly got rough with Sandra after they started an argument at a bar and put his hands around her throat “for around 10-15 seconds… pushing and squeezing.” 

It’s understood that he did not release her, and she had to free herself from his grasp on her own. According to the report, Sandra was also pushed to the ground and was later locked out of their house.

Leighton Vander Esch’s Father Out On Bond

Darwin Vander Esch was released on a $10,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. He has not entered a plea for the felony strangulation.

Meanwhile, the younger Vander Esch announced his retirement earlier this year, having played for six seasons.

A second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2018, he was forced to call it quits due to serious neck problems.