Tight end Jason Witten announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from NFL. Witten had already made the decision to retire back in 2018, but returned the following year.
Witten spent the first 16 years with the Dallas Cowboys but left the franchise ahead of the 2020 season to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. He ended up having a career-worst year, catching only 13 passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
Speaking with ESPN about his decision, Witten said that he intends to finish his career where he started it. After his contract with the Raiders expires in March, the 38-year-old veteran will sign a one-day deal with the Cowboys to retire as a member of the franchise.
“I am proud of my accomplishments as a football player on the field and the example I tried to set off of it,” Witten added. “Football is a great game that has taught me many valuable lessons, and I look forward to passing on that knowledge to the next generation.”
The first time he retired, Witten took a broadcasting job to serve as an analyst on ESPN Monday Night Football. Reportedly, he won’t return to TV this time and intends to pursue a coaching career.
Jason Witten entered the league in 2008 as the Dallas Cowboys’ third-round pick. Since then, he broke numerous franchise records, including most career receptions with 1,215, most career receiving yards with 12,939, and most games played with 239.
Witten, who is an 11-time Pro Bowler, also holds several NFL records, including most receptions in a single game by a tight end with 18.
