The Cowboys’ loss in the playoffs at the hands of the Green Bay Packers had some wondering if longtime Dallas tight end Jason Witten was considering retirement. Dejected, Witten gave answers on how difficult the defeat was, claiming that his unit was the most special team he had been apart of.
“I’m in my 14th year, there’s a shelf life for everybody,” Witten said in front of his locker, his eyes clouded red with the emotional disappointment. “You put everything you have into it and when you come up short, it’s tough.” To make matters worse, a tornado warning prohibited Witten from leaving AT&T Stadium following the conclusion of the game.
The tornado may have been foreshadowing the Boys’ handling of Witten, gifting the veteran with an extension through 2021 valued at $29.6 million dollars and keeping him in Dallas. None of the money is guaranteed, but Witten’s durability is renowned; since 2003, he’s only missed one game. The monetary gesture is more for his leadership, rather than actual offensive output at this point of his career.
“He’s as professional a person, as professional a player as I’ve ever been around,” Garrett said last season. “His commitment to doing things the right way, his commitment to excellence is unmatched. Again, it’s beyond just a day, it’s everything he does within that day.”
Witten has permanently stamped his cleat into the Dallas artificial turf, seizing records for most receptions (1,089), consecutive games played (219) and consecutive games started in Cowboys history (163); he’s within 17 yards of breaking Michael Irvin’s all-time team mark of 11,904. Only former Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has more grabs in the history of the position.
With the turmoil surrounding the inevitable Tony Romo dismissal, Cowboys fans can rest easy tonight knowing that their beloved TE will retire with a blue star stitched into his jersey.
Additionally, coordinators Scott Linehan, Rod Marinelli and Rich Bisaccia were also given contract extensions.
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