The Elite In Jason Witten
I don’t think the NFL does a good job of savoring the elite. Nor do us fans. We are more likely to spend our eyes on featured wide receivers who hit their wives or mouthy players who are, well, mouthy.
That’s a shame.
As a Cowboy fan, our focus of late has been on what to fix or who to blame. We tell ourselves that if we just fix this or that, we can be propelled to that next step. But the truth is in the numbers as former head coach Bill Parcells said, “You are what your record says your are.”
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) scores a second quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Because the Dallas Cowboys are a “dot” five hundred team, we forget the goodness already employed by this organization — an important element of the Cowboy engine and tradition.
When I look back over the years, I think we’ve taken starting tight end Jason Witten for granted. Shame on you. Shame on me.
A plague on both our houses!
The Daily Man
Jason Witten shows up on Sundays. No, literally. From 2003 – 2012, he played in all games except one in 2003. So why aren’t we talking about this guy enough? I swear, if we asked J-Wit to remove his helmet and had him shave his hair, there would be two stars tattooed on each side of his head.
This man is a real Dallas Cowboy.
To Be Jay Novacek, Or Not To Be
Before Jason Witten came along, The Dallas Cowboys were in search of a player to replace former tight end Jay Novacek. We clamored for a replacement. We begged, yelled, kicked and screamed. And then in 1997 we spent our 1st round, 22nd pick on David LaFleur. David played four seasons with 85 receptions and 12 touchdowns.
Oh brother. Now let’s fast forward to today.
Jason Witten has been targeted 875 times. He has 806 receptions. That means he caught 92% of the balls thrown his way.
Ridiculous.
Jay Novacek, a man who has three Super Bowl rings, went further than numbers. He not only thinks Jason Witten is the best Cowboy to ever play the position, but is the greatest tight end to have ever played. Period. Whoa.
Pre-Approved For The Hall of Fame
The Dallas Cowboys will face the Miami Dolphins on August 4th for The NFL’s preseason Hall of Fame game. Offensive Lineman Larry Allen and Bill Parcells will be ushered into the Hall of Fame.
Jason Witten might as well hang the cleats for one night and have himself inducted into the Hall of Fame. I’m sure the NFL wouldn’t mind; it would just make things easier down the road for everybody. The NFL will save on gas money and time on paper work. Jason Witten would be there already anyways.
No Alarms, No Surprises
There’s no other player on the roster right now that buffers the phrase “America’s Team” more than Jason Witten. He is a class act. He is the 2012 Walter Payton Man of The Year and an eight time Pro Bowler. Jason Witten is a husband, father, and one of the greatest sons the NFL has (and needs).
You are not going to get controversial press with number 82. He’s not loud. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes on or off the field. He displays positive attributes as a teammate. Jason Witten plays the game to the tune of class. Jason Witten doesn’t need to be flashy or aggressive in his behavior to have the cameras follow him. No, he is a man who lets his actions speak for him.
I got to tell you, I think that’s a terrific model to lead yourself whether it be in the NFL, or through daily life.
Too Legit To Quit
Jason Witten could survive without Tony Romo. Tony Romo could not survive without Jason Witten. Big difference there folks.
We could dress Jason Witten in 31 other uniforms and I’m betting you this tight end would be just as successful. But let’s not go for this. (Quick, remember the images of Emmitt Smith in a Cardinals uniform.)
I don’t have access to a crystal ball. I can’t tell you if Jason Witten will end his career with Super Bowl jewelry. What I can assure you is this: Jason Witten stands even with other Dallas Cowboy legends like Emmitt Smith, Larry Allen, Troy Aikman, Drew Pearson, and Tom Landry. (Gosh this franchise is spoiled!)
As long as Jason Witten dresses for a game, he’ll give this game his best. He’ll give the fans his best. He’ll make plays, and do the dirty work and block. He’ll clap when his teammates score.
Pay respect to Jason Witten everybody. On America’s Team there exists a true Cowboy.