FRISCO, Texas – After 17 seasons, Jason Witten is retiring from the NFL. He plans 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 tight end in NFL history has played more games than Witten’s 271, and only the Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez has more receptions and yards in position.
“A coach once said to 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 up, I leave knowing that 17 seasons ago I gave my all. I am proud of my achievements as a football player on the field and the example I tried to set for them. Football is a great game that has taught me many valuable lessons, and I am looking forward to pass that knowledge on 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 chose to return to Cowboys in 2019.
A choice in the third round in 2003, Witten became one of the best tight ends in NFL history. He has been nominated for the Pro Bowl 11 times, tied with Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bob Lilly in Dallas history, and was considered a complete tight end because of his ability as a blocker, in addition to his pass capture. In 2012, he was named winner of the year Walter Payton of the NFL for the work he and his wife, Michelle, did with the 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 seasons of 1,000 yards and, in 2012, set the record for catches in one season by a tight end (110) – a record that has since been broken.
He played a team record of 255 games, including a franchise record of 245 matches, losing only one game in his career because of a broken jaw as a rookie. He had 13 receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders, but was praised by coach Jon Gruden and his finishing mate Darren Waller for his guidance.
Coaching has long been mentioned as a possibility for Witten’s next move. He has been linked to opportunities in the NFL and at university levels immediately, if he wants to start that path. He will undoubtedly be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor and will be eligible for the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2026.