Jason Witten is a former professional American football player best known for his 16-year tenure as a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, where he established himself as one of the most reliable and productive players at his position in NFL history. Born in Tennessee and raised in Elizabethton, Witten was a high school All-American before attending the University of Tennessee, where he became the school’s single-season receiving yardage leader for tight ends and was a John Mackey Award semifinalist[4][8]. The Cowboys drafted him in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a cornerstone of their offense. Over his career, Witten was selected to 11 Pro Bowls, earned two first-team All-Pro honors, and set numerous franchise records, including most career receptions and receiving yards by a Cowboys tight end[1][7]. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in catches and yards for his position, becoming one of only a handful of tight ends with multiple 80-catch seasons and joining Jerry Rice and Larry Fitzgerald as players with at least 150 receptions against a single team[1][2]. His durability was remarkable: Witten started every game for the Cowboys in 11 different seasons and missed only one game due to injury in his first 15 years. Beyond statistics, Witten was recognized for his leadership and character. He received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012 for his community service and advocacy against domestic violence through the Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Michelle[6]. He also established the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award to honor college football players who demonstrate exceptional leadership and integrity[6]. After retiring from the Cowboys in 2018, Witten briefly returned to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 and then spent the 2020 season with the Las Vegas Raiders before officially retiring for good in January 2021[1][5]. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2019[6]. Currently, Witten serves as a football analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football and has transitioned into coaching, taking the head football coach position at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas[5]. His legacy endures not only through his on-field achievements but also through his ongoing contributions to the sport and his community.