Dallas Cowboys legendary tight end Jason Witten is close to retirement. Despite saying a few weeks ago that he plans on playing for another three years, it seems he changed his mind. After Witten received ESPN’s offer to be one of the hosts on Monday Night Football, Jason started contemplating retirement. He decided to think about everything over the weekend, and while standing between ESPN and Cowboys, he got another offer from at the time unknown network.
Jason Garrett is trying to convince the future Hall Of Famer to remain with America’s Team for another year. The new deadline for Witten’s decision is set for Wednesday by the player himself.
Jerry Jones said, during the introduction of Cowboys’ first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch that he talked with Witten a couple of times before the draft and during the week. It remains unclear even to Jones, what will be Jason’s decision.
Jerry stated: “He has some things to think about and discuss with his family from a professional perspective.”
If Jason Witten decides to retire, he will leave Dallas franchise as the leader in games played (239), receptions (1,152), and receiving yards (12,448). With 68 touchdowns to his name, he’s third in Big D. 11 Pro Bowl selections tie him at a No1 spot with another Cowboys legend, Bob Lilly.
On the league level, Witten is only behind Jerry Rice, Tony Gonzalez, and Larry Fitzgerald in the receptions. Among tight ends, he’s the second player to have more than 12,000 receiving yards with only legendary Tony Gonzalez having more (15,127).
Despite his age, Witten’s retirement comes as a surprise as he signed a four-year extension with Cowboys in March of 2017. Everyone in Dallas was surprised with his decision, which is still not final. The thing is that ESPN’s offer is undoubtedly too good to pass considering his age and long career. Nonetheless, if he does retire Cowboys will be in a pinch with no apparent heir in the building. Witten is leaving big shoes to fill.
