Jason Witten is retiring again after a two-year return to the NFL. The all-time great tight end for the Cowboys spent 2020 with the Oakland Raiders, but will reportedly sign a one-day contract with Dallas so he can end his career at home.
Witten originally announced retirement in 2018 and spent a year in the Monday Night Football commentator booth. But after poor reviews of his broadcast work and a desire to return to the field, Jason returned to the Cowboys for a single season in 2019.
Jason Witten has told ESPN he is retiring from the NFL after a 17-year career. He intends to sign one-day contract and retire as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in March when his contract with the Las Vegas Raiders expires in March. He finishes his… https://t.co/BcXGA3Lk9r
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 27, 2021
The Cowboys turned their TE position over to Blake Jarwin in 2020 but Witten was not ready to hang up the cleats just yet. He signed a one-year deal to keep his career going as a backup in Oakland.
With Darren Waller already David Carr’s favorite target, Jason only had 13 catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns in his 17th and final season.
There’s always been speculation that Witten may find a new career in coaching once his playing days ended. After things didn’t go well with his attempt in broadcasting, perhaps Jason will now try his hand at carrying a clipboard.
No matter where things go from here, Jason Witten will forever retain legendary status with the Cowboys organization for his 16 seasons with the club. He ranks 1st in all-time receptions and yards for the team and 2nd in touchdowns, just one score behind Dez Bryant.
Five years from now we should be enjoying a Hall of Fame speech from Jason as he takes his rightful place among the NFL’s greatest players. Until then, it will be interesting to see where his next chapter happens.
