Jason Witten talks Jason Garrett, tight ends, broadcasting and more

One of the most memorable and iconic moments of your career took place in 2007. It was the 53-yard reception vs. the Eagles when you lost your helmet after taking a vicious hit over the middle. Thinking back, what do you remember most about that play?

JW: Well, I think that play will define me for a long time. And my gosh, I think I’m pretty lucky to be able to have a play like that. I’m known for this option route, that was kinda my play. The little 10-yard get open route.

And that play that you’re referencing in 2007, that’s kind of the play I always loved cause often times people knew I was going to run that little 10-yard hook. And so this was kinda the fake the 10-yard hook and then run a go route, like an out-n-up. And so anytime that play got called I was excited. And that’s what happened on that play.

Single high coverage, Tony [Romo] was going to hold that safety. And the safety just played it pretty good. The corner came off, I took a big hit. But I think that’s what defines a tight end, you know. You make tough catches over the middle and you keep going.

My helmet came off, it happened to be John Madden and Al Michaels on the call. All those things kinda added to it that makes it this magical play that I’ll remember for a long time. I know my kids think it’s pretty neat that I was running down the field without my helmet.

But just play the game the right way. And I would never think that one play or one moment in a career would define anybody. Certainly, that’s not what I played for to have accolades or anything like that. It was just I loved the challenge of being a pro football player and being a leader. And trying to master your craft but then also encouraging other guys to do the same thing.

I was just fortunate that on the big stage I had a play like that. That’s what I tried to do, when my number was called I tried to execute and make plays. My goodness was that a special one.