The career of Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten officially came to an end today.
Witten, who turns 36 on May 6, played 15 seasons with America’s Team, earning 11 Pro Bowls and finishing his NFL career fourth overall in receptions.
He finishes his career with 1,152 catches for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns. His 11 trips to the Pro Bowl are tied with Bob Lilly for most all-time in franchise history.
While the Pro Football Hall of Fame will have to wait 5 years, Witten will continue his work in professional football as a broadcaster, agreeing to a deal with ESPN to be an analyst on their Monday Night Football telecasts.
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In a press conference this afternoon, Witten talked about what it meant to play the game that he loved for 15 seasons in Dallas.
“It’s been said right or wrong, better 3 hours too soon, than a minute too late. After much self reflection, prayer and faith, today I’ve decided that the time has come 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 I can assure you, no one was going to outwork me.”
Former and current teammates took to social media regarding Witten’s retirement.
Witt, Mr. Dependable. Thank you for taking me under your wing as a rookie and showing me the way. For helping fight the battles on and off the field, I appreciate you. This next chapter of life will be even better if you can imagine that ?. Cheers #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/8H6FfYnlUB
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) May 3, 2018
Blessed to be able to play with you and witness greatness. Honored to be able to go up against you everyday in practice! #Legend? pic.twitter.com/1nY9lYtRtg
— Kavon Frazier (@Kay_BlackSimba) May 3, 2018
Witten will get his first chance to call a game involving his former team on Monday Night November 5th when Dallas hosts the Tennessee Titans.
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