FRISCO, Texas – After 17 seasons, Jason Witten retires from the NFL. He intends to sign a one-day contract and retire as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in March, when his contract with the Las Vegas Raiders expires at the end of the league year.
Witten, 38, played 16 seasons with the Cowboys and spent 2020 with the Raiders. No closed end in NFL history has played more games than Witten’s 271, and only Tony Hall has received more receptions and gardens.
“A coach once told me,‘ The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the legacy of a great example, ’” Witten told ESPN. that for 17 seasons I gave it my all. I am proud of my successes as a football player on the field and of the example I tried to take advantage of. Football is a great game that has taught me many valuable lessons and I hope to be able to pass on that knowledge to the next generation. “
Witten retired for the first time after the 2017 season and spent 2018 as an analyst at ESPN Monday Night Football, but opted to return to the Cowboys in 2019.
A third-round pick in 2003, Witten became one of the best tight ends in NFL history. He was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times, tied with Hall of Fame linebacker Bob Lilly for most of Dallas history, and was considered a complete end due to his ability as a blocker in more of your step capture. In 2012 he was named winner of NFL Man of the Year Walter Payton for the work he and his wife, Michelle, have done with their foundation.
Witten is the Cowboys ’all-time leader in receptions (1,215) and yards (12,977) and is second in touchdown catches (72). He had four 1,000-yard seasons and in 2012 set the catch record in one season by a tight end (110), a record that has been broken since then.
He played in a team record of 255 games, including a franchise record of 245 starts, only missing one game in his career due to a broken jaw as a rookie. He had 13 catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders, but was praised by coach Jon Gruden and close teammate Darren Waller for his tutoring.
The coach has long been mentioned as a possibility for Witten’s next move. He has been linked to NFL opportunities and college levels immediately if he wants to start down that path. He will no doubt be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor and will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.