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FRISCO, Texas – After 17 seasons, Jason Witten is retiring from the NFL. He plans to sign a one-day deal 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 tight end in NFL history has played more games than Witten’s 271, and only Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez has more receptions and yards at the post.
“A trainer once told me, ‘The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the legacy of a great example,” “Witten told ESPN. “When I hang it up, I walk away knowing that for 17 seasons I gave it my all. I’m proud of my accomplishments as a football player on the pitch and the example I’ve tried to set. Football is a great game that has taught me many valuable lessons, and I look forward to passing that knowledge on to the next generation. “
He initially retired after the 2017 season and spent 2018 as an ESPN Monday Night Football analyst, but chose 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 has been named 11 Pro Bowl times, tied with Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bob Lilly for the most in Dallas history, and was considered a complete tight end due to his ability as a that blocker in addition to his capture of passes. In 2012, he was named the Walter Payton NFL Winner of the Year for the work he and his wife, Michelle, did with their foundation.
Witten is the Cowboys all-time leader in receptions (1,215) and yards (12,977) and second in touchdowns (72). He’s had four 1,000-yard seasons, and in 2012 he set the one-season catch in a tight volley (110) – a record that has since been broken.
He played 255 team-record games, including a franchise record of 245 starts, missing just 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 compatriot Darren Waller for his mentorship.
Coaching has long been mentioned as a possibility for Witten’s next move. He was immediately linked to opportunities in the NFL and colleges if he wanted to take that route. Without a doubt, he will be inducted into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor and he will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.
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