FRISCO, TEXAS – It was an emotional day as a press conference was held at the Star in Frisco, Texas for tight end, Jason Witten as he announced his retirement and say farewell to the Dallas Cowboys, his home since 2003. Owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, and former head coach, Jason Garrett, accompanied Witten behind the podium at today’s conference.
Witten evoked emotion with his farewell message “ It is time for me to pass the torch to the next generation of Dallas Cowboys and retire from the National Football League. I was never the most talented, never the flashiest. I relied on grit. Other players may have been more talented but no one would out-work me. “
Witten missed one game over his 15 seasons with the Cowboys back in 2003 from a broken jaw. He was as reliable and dedicated as they come. His teammates and coaches constantly looked him up to as the staple of hard work and achievement. There is a reason he had the ‘C’ captain badge on his jersey and the Walter Payton Man of the Year patch. Witten accumulated stats on the field including 1,152 receiving yards, 12,448 total career yards and 68 touchdowns; earning the spot of the Cowboys’ all time leader in receiving yards. However, it is his character on and off the field and his love of family that set him apart.
He concluded by stating “The sheer concentration it takes to pursue a dream is not for everyone. But it was for me. I yearned for the daily grind and I could not get enough of it…I never wanted this day to come, but it does come for all of us. “
Jason Witten’s memory and dedication to the Dallas Cowboys franchise will live on, as highlights of Witten’s legendary moments wearing the star will line the walls of the Star and Stadium.
Jerry Jones perfectly summed up what is on hearts and minds today by stating, “ Jason you are leaving with our hearts but we are with you. You are an inspiration to me, as well as everybody that has ever said you are a Dallas Cowboy.”
Thank you for your dedication Jason Witten and the best of luck in the broadcast booth! We love you #82!!
