FRISCO, TEXAS – The Dallas Cowboys decorated tight end is retiring after 15 seasons with the Cowboys; joining ESPN as an analyst for “Monday Night Football.”
Jason Witten has informed owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, and head coach, Jason Garrett, of his decision to retire according to the network’s Todd Archer.
This calls for a walk down memory lane. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Witten accumulated 1,152 receiving yards, 12,448 total career yards, and 68 touchdowns during 239 game starts. He was elected to the Pro-Bowl roster 11 times. Witten has not missed a game since his first season with the Cowboys in 2003, for a broken jaw. He has started in all 16 games per season since the game missed in 2003. The legendary TE has a near perfect attendance on the field for “America’s Team.” Witten ended his career as the Cowboys’ all-time leader in receiving yards (12,448) and third in touchdowns (68).
At the Star in Frisco, as players walk through the doors onto the practice field, there is a large wall mural of Jason Witten running on the field, to remind players the level of excellence and drive they are to perform and the expectation placed on them when they step foot on the field where legends, like Witten, have left their mark.
Throughout his career with the Cowboys, Witten has repeatedly been the staple of commitment, character, and determination on the field. Head Coach Garrett has routinely talked about his work ethic and how he has encouraged more players to do “what he does” and to look at him as an example of how to train and the kind of people they need to be. Witten was always one of the last to leave practice and his character off the field as the spokesman for “NFL Play 60,” his charitable SCORE Foundation helping fund building projects, and his JWSF SCOREkeepers program to stop domestic violence, is what truly defines the star player.
Witten’s commitment and fight in the community and on the field for his team were inspiring. He will go down in Cowboys history as one of the most beloved tight ends in history and no doubt a bust and gold jacket in Canton are in this dedicated player’s future. A heartfelt goodbye to Jason Witten and the best of luck in his broadcasting career! Thank you for your unwavering zeal and diligence to the Dallas Cowboys! You will be missed #82!!
