FRISCO – After 17 seasons, Jason Witten is removed 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 Las Vegas Raiders expires at the end of the league year.
Witten, 38, played 16 seasons for the Jeans and spent the 2020 campaign with the Raiders. No closed wing in the history of the NFL played in more matches than the 271 of Witten, And only the member of the Hall of Fame, Tony Gonzalez, Accumulated more receptions and yards in the position.
“A coach once told me,‘ The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the legacy of a great example, ’” he said. Witten a ESPN. “While I was firing, I found out that, for 17 seasons, I gave him my absolute all. I’m proud of my achievements as an American football player on the field, and the example I tried to put out of him. American football is a great game that taught me valuable lessons, and I long to be able to pass that knowledge on to the next generation. “
He retired in the first instance after the 2017 season, and spent 2018 as an analyst for the “Football Monday night“de ESPN, But chose to return to the Jeans to 2019.
A third-round recruit from 2003, Witten became one of the best closed wings in the history of the NFL. He was named 11 times in the Pro Bowl 11, tying the defensive line of the Hall of Fame, Bob Lilly, For the largest amount in the history of Dallas, And was considered a complete closed wing for its ability to block, as well as its ability to catch passes. In 2012, he was named the winner of the NFL Walter Payton of the Year Award for his work with his wife, Michelle, Through its foundation.
He is the historical leader for the Jeans in receptions (1,215) and yards (12,977), and is second in touchdown receptions (72). He totaled four campaigns of at least 1,000 yards and in 2012 set a record for the most receptions for a closed wing (110), one that was eventually surpassed.
He set the club record with 255 matches, including 245 starts, another club record. He missed just one game in his career due to a fractured jaw, as a rookie. He caught 13 passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders, But was praised by the head coach Jon Gruden and the also closed wing Darren Waller for his mentoring.
A career as a coach has been mentioned as a possibility as the next move of Witten. He has been linked to opportunities in the NFL and at the college level immediately, in case you decide to start this path. Without a doubt, it will be part of the Ring of Honor of the Jeans, And will be eligible for the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2026.