Twitter overflows with love for Jason Witten following his retirement
The Dallas Cowboys said goodbye to their stalwart veteran Jason Witten on Thursday, and Twitter subsequently overflowed with love for the tight end.
When you think about the modern day “Mr. Cowboy“, you likely think of tight end Jason Witten. A stalwart of the Dallas Cowboys organization for 15-years, Witten represents The Star like no other. But on Thursday, Witten announced his retirement from the NFL in order to fill the empty color analyst seat on ESPN’s Monday Night Football crew.
Witten walks away from the game as the Cowboys’ all-time leader in receptions (1,152) and receiving yardage (12,448). He’s also third in receiving touchdowns (68) in Dallas and currently sits fourth in the entire league in total catches.
The ultra-durable Witten only missed a single game in his 15 seasons. He was named a Pro Bowler 11-times and an All-Pro four times. Witten was also named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2012.
Following an emotional press conference sitting between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett, Witten bared his football soul and fought back the tears to announce his retirement. The 35-year old ended his career as he played, with utter class.
Following Witten hanging up his cleats for good, social media exploded with an outpouring of love and support for the veteran tight end. Here are some of the best posts so far.
Witt, Mr. Dependable. Thank you for taking me under your wing as a rookie and showing me the way. For helping fight the battles on and off the field, I appreciate you. This next chapter of life will be even better if you can imagine that 🙂. Cheers #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/8H6FfYnlUB
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) May 3, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiUYnYlg2ZA/?taken-by=dezbryant
Congratulations @jasonwitten on a great career - you’ll be just as good in the broadcast booth!
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) May 3, 2018
#ThankYouWitten pic.twitter.com/rP1BVtUEEz
— Travis Frederick (@tfrederick72) May 4, 2018
Great player. Great role model. Thank you @JasonWitten https://t.co/WnL5TE1fjn
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) May 4, 2018
HC Jason Garrett talked about @JasonWitten being the Standard on and off the field as a @dallascowboys player. He was just as good during his retirement speech. Humble, gracious and a great story teller. Should serve him well in his next career. Welcome to the broadcast booth!
— Daryl Johnston (@DarylJohnston) May 3, 2018
.@JasonWitten had one stipulation when he was being recruited out of HS: he wanted to play DE, not TE. After an injury at @Vol_Football, Phil Fulmer asked Jason if he'd play TE. Forever a team player, he said yes. The rest is history. Congrats, Jason, on a great career.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) May 3, 2018
Jason Witten was the epitome of a professional. Never heard him complain, never heard him gripe. He showed up every day to work and enjoyed it. Jason Witten if one of the greatest people I have ever met. From being a great husband to being a great father. There is nothing..
— terence newman (@terencenewman) May 3, 2018
The Journey is the reward -Jason Witten 🙏🏾#ClearEyeView
— Jaylon Smith (@thejaylonsmith) May 3, 2018
What a tremendous HOF career Witt! A true roll model. Congrats and good luck in your next one.
— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) May 3, 2018
Cowboys employees and players lined up to greet Jason Witten @NBCDFW @BlueStarBlog pic.twitter.com/k3hYHCy6HQ
— Noah Bullard (@noah_bullard) May 3, 2018
Congratulations on your retirement from the Cowboys, @JasonWitten. #FutureHallOfFamer pic.twitter.com/rBOM66epal
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/GoNFFC/status/992043879976325121
Congratulations on a legendary career, @JasonWitten.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) May 3, 2018
We’re proud to call you a #VFL!#PoweredByTheT #ThankYouWitten pic.twitter.com/QzLxso0uAG
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What a spectacular end to a wonderful football career for Jason Witten. Sometimes we forget that’s Witten’s only 35-years old (turning 36 on Sunday). This is still a very young man with so much more left on his plate. We, here at The Landry Hat, tip our fedora to Mr. Witten for everything he’s done for the team, his fans, our site and this community.
Thank you #82! And we will be following your exploits on Monday Night Football with great anticipation and vigor as you turn the page to the next chapter of your life off the field. Leave your favorite Jason Witten memories and well wishes below in our comment section.