Cowboys’ Jason Witten calls it quits after 15 seasons
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
May 3, 2018
He has spent 15 seasons wearing the Dallas Cowboys star, but Thursday afternoon, tight end Jason Witten will hang up his cleats, retiring from the NFL.
NFL.com reported that Witten, 35, told Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett that he's leaving the team to take a job behind the desk with "Monday Night Football" on ESPN, which was the first to report the breaking sports news.
Witten goes into retirement with 1,152 catches for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns.
He's ranked behind Jerry Rice (1,549), Tony Gonzalez (1,325) and Larry Fitzgerald (1,234) in all-time receptions, NFL.com reported.
FILE - In this Oct. 22, 2017, file photo, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) catches a touchdown in front of San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. A person with direct knowledge of the decision says Jason Witten is retiring after 15 seasons, choosing the offer of lead analyst for ESPNâs âMonday Night Footballâ over becoming the longest-tenured player in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. The 10-time Pro Bowl tight end informed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of his plan to retire Thursday, May 3, 2018, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision hasnât been announced. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Witten is also an 11-time Pro Bowler and holds many records, including, the most receptions in a single season by a tight end -- 110 in 2012.
He was drafted by the Cowboys in 2003 from Tennessee as a third round pick, NFL.com reported.
FILE - This is a 2016, file photo showing Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys NFL football team. A person with direct knowledge of the decision says Jason Witten is retiring after 15 seasons, choosing the offer of lead analyst for ESPN's âMonday Night Footballâ over becoming the longest-tenured player in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. The 10-time Pro Bowl tight end informed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of his plan to retire Thursday, May 3, 2018, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision hasn't been announced.
About the Author
Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
