Jason Witten

Witten has one cousin, Triston Witten, and two older brothers, Ryan and Shawn. All were raised in Washington D.C., but attended Elizabethton High School in Elizabethton, Tennessee.{{Cite web |last=Epps |first=Michael |date=November 30, 2019 |title=Jason Witten talks Elizabethton, Cowboys, and more after Cyclones playoff win |url=https://www.wjhl.com/sports/high-school-sports/touchdown-friday-night/jason-witten-talks-elizabethton-cowboys-and-more-after-cyclones-playoff-win/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410190944/https://www.wjhl.com/sports/high-school-sports/touchdown-friday-night/jason-witten-talks-elizabethton-cowboys-and-more-after-cyclones-playoff-win/ |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=WJHL |language=en-US}} Witten's father, a 6'8", 300 lb. mailman, became addicted to alcohol and drugs when Witten was 6 and became abusive toward Witten's mother, Kim, and Witten's older brothers.{{Cite magazine |last=Price |first=S. L. |date=December 7, 2015 |title=For Jason Witten, it would hurt more not to play |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/12/07/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-tight-end-pain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121113039/https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/12/07/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-tight-end-pain |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} When Witten was 11, he moved to Elizabethton to live with his grandparents.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jean-Jacques |date=August 9, 2012 |title=Dez Bryant has a role model handy |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8253717/dallas-cowboys-dez-bryant-look-jason-witten-example-overcoming-childhood-hardship |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212714/http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8253717/dallas-cowboys-dez-bryant-look-jason-witten-example-overcoming-childhood-hardship |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}} His grandfather, Dave Rider, was the coach of the football team where Witten was a two-way player, playing linebacker and tight end.{{Cite web |last=Cooley |first=Joshua |date=March 18, 2009 |title=Cowboys' Jason Witten takes on domestic violence |url=http://www.baptistcourier.com/3220.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811063611/http://www.baptistcourier.com/3220.article |archive-date=August 11, 2009 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Baptist Courier}}

Witten became a three-year starter playing both linebacker and tight end, while helping his team reach the state semi-finals three times. As a senior linebacker, he finished the season with 163 tackles (registering a career school record 450), nine sacks, two interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks. That year, he received several accolades: All-American, All-State (also as a junior), USA Today Player of the Year for Tennessee, East Tennessee Player of the Year, Region Defensive Player of the Year and runner-up for the Mr. Football award.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2019 |title=Jason Witten to be inducted into Texas Sports Hall of Fame |url=https://www.kwtx.com/content/sports/Jason-Witten-to-be-inducted-into-Texas-Sports-Hall-of-Fame-504816502.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122194356/https://www.kwtx.com/content/sports/Jason-Witten-to-be-inducted-into-Texas-Sports-Hall-of-Fame-504816502.html |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=KWTX.com |language=en}} He had 26 receptions and 14 touchdowns on offense. He also played basketball, where he averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds per game.{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Tim |date=May 10, 2018 |title=Elizabethton teammates remember Jason Witten |url=https://heraldcourier.com/sports/history-with-hayes-elizabethton-teammates-remember-jason-witten/article_ca25b96a-54a8-11e8-b1f3-778684b4fcc8.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204124/https://heraldcourier.com/sports/history-with-hayes-elizabethton-teammates-remember-jason-witten/article_ca25b96a-54a8-11e8-b1f3-778684b4fcc8.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Bristol Herald Courier – Tricities |language=en}}

{{see also|2000 Tennessee Volunteers football team}}

In 2000, Witten accepted a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, with the promise from head coach Phillip Fulmer that he would be played at defensive end. Witten began his first year playing special teams and also saw time as a second-string defensive end.{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2018 |title=The story of Jason Witten's position switch from DE to TE in college; 'he was a little peeved' |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2018/05/14/the-story-of-jason-witten-s-position-switch-from-de-to-te-in-college-he-was-a-little-peeved/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204123/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2018/05/14/the-story-of-jason-witten-s-position-switch-from-de-to-te-in-college-he-was-a-little-peeved/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}

After injuries impacted the depth at the tight end position, he was moved to the offensive side midway through the season. Although Witten did not agree with the change and even considered transferring, he eventually came around and was used primarily as a blocker while he learned the position. He also started in his first two games.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Jeff |date=December 11, 2015 |title=Now Among Game's Greatest, Tight End Wasn't First Choice For Witten |url=http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/12/11/sullivan-though-among-game%E2%80%99s-greatest-tight-end-wasn%E2%80%99t-first-choice-witten |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505201129/https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/12/11/sullivan-though-among-game%E2%80%99s-greatest-tight-end-wasn%E2%80%99t-first-choice-witten |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |website=Dallas Cowboys}} As a freshman, he appeared in 12 games and recorded one reception on the season, which went for 11 yards in a 70–3 victory over Louisiana–Monroe.{{Cite web |title=Louisiana-Monroe at Tennessee Box Score, September 23, 2000 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2000-09-23-tennessee.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222811/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2000-09-23-tennessee.html |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten Bio |url=http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/witten_jason00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203164202/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/witten_jason00.html |archive-date=December 3, 2016 |website=Tennessee Volunteers Athletics}}

{{see also|2001 Tennessee Volunteers football team}}

Witten appeared in all 13 games as a sophomore, catching 28 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2001 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1/gamelog/2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222541/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1/gamelog/2001/ |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference}} He scored his first collegiate touchdown in a 35–24 victory over Alabama in their annual rivalry game.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee at Alabama Box Score, October 20, 2001 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2001-10-20-alabama.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222740/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2001-10-20-alabama.html |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference}} Witten had 125 receiving yards and a touchdown in Tennessee's Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan.{{Cite web |last=Philpott |first=Roy |date=April 27, 2003 |title=Witten Added in the 3rd Round |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/Article/Witten-Added-in-the-3rd-Round-104050460/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122194359/https://247sports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/Article/Witten-Added-in-the-3rd-Round-104050460/ |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} Witten's performance in the 45–17 victory marked the third most receiving yards in a bowl game in Tennessee history.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Volunteers 2020 Football Media Guide, Records |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/utsports.com/documents/2020/9/7/Records_Section_Web_.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630184947/https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/utsports.com/documents/2020/9/7/Records_Section_Web_.pdf |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Tennessee Volunteers Athletics}}

{{see also|2002 Tennessee Volunteers football team}}

As a junior, Witten had a breakout year, setting school records for a tight end in receptions (39) and receiving yards (493) with five touchdowns, including one of the most memorable receptions in school history, a game-winning touchdown in the sixth overtime against Arkansas.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1/gamelog/2002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222808/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1/gamelog/2002/ |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2017 |website=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Arkansas at Tennessee Box Score, October 5, 2002 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2002-10-05-tennessee.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030311/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2002-10-05-tennessee.html |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=November 2, 2017 |website=Sports Reference}} He received All-SEC (SEC) and Academic All-SEC honors after leading the conference's tight ends in receptions and receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=2002 Southeastern Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/sec/2002-leaders.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222812/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/sec/2002-leaders.html |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference}} He was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Tight End Award.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Volunteers 2020 Football Media Guide, Honors |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/utsports.com/documents/2020/9/7/Honors_Section_Web_.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630185246/https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/utsports.com/documents/2020/9/7/Honors_Section_Web_.pdf |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Tennessee Volunteers Athletics}}

Even though he decided to enter the NFL draft after his junior season and had played the position in only 20 games, Witten left ranked third all-time among the school's tight ends with 68 career receptions and fourth all-time with 797 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222808/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jason-witten-1.html |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2003 |title=Vols TE Witten to enter NFL Draft |url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2003/01/14/vols-te-witten-to-enter-nfl-draft/31624497007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204124/https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2003/01/14/vols-te-witten-to-enter-nfl-draft/31624497007/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Gainesville Sun |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}

Following the 2017 college football season, Witten's name was placed on a college football award. The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award honors a player who shows strong leadership qualities on and off the field.{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Adam |date=August 16, 2017 |title=First-ever Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award to be handed out following 2017 season |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/first-ever-jason-witten-collegiate-man-year-award-handed-following-2017-season/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204130/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/first-ever-jason-witten-collegiate-man-year-award-handed-following-2017-season/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 5+3/4

| weight = 264

| dash = 4.65

| ten split =

| shuttle =

| cone drill =

| vertical = 31

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 2

| bench = 25

| arm span = 32+1/2

| hand span = 9+7/8

| wonderlic =

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten {{pipe}} Combine Results {{pipe}} TE – Tennessee |url=http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=6730 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429024528/http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=6730 |archive-date=April 29, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2018 |website=NFL Combine Results}}

}}

{{see also|2003 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round with the 69th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft. He was the fifth tight end selected that year.{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102170332/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/draft.htm |archive-date=November 2, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Although the Cowboys had a first-round grade on Witten, when their turn came in the first and second rounds, they selected cornerback Terrence Newman and Al Johnson based on team needs.{{Cite web |title=2003 Dallas Cowboys Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2003_draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109184037/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2003_draft.htm |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Undrafted free agent Tony Romo was another rookie who also arrived in Dallas in 2003 and would go on to become Witten's teammate throughout their careers, as well as his roommate during future team training camps and travel games.

Entering the league as a 20-year-old rookie, one of the youngest players in the NFL, Witten started seven of the 15 games he played in.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Rob |date=May 3, 2018 |title=Ironman Illustrations: Anecdotes From Jason Witten's 15 Years As A Cowboy |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/ironman-illustrations-anecdotes-from-jason-witten-s-15-years-as-a-cowboy-458491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418045821/https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/ironman-illustrations-anecdotes-from-jason-witten-s-15-years-as-a-cowboy-458491 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=DallasCowboys.com |language=en-US}} On September 7, he made his NFL debut in a 27–13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where he had one reception for 13 yards.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys – September 7th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200309070dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030744/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200309070dal.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Witten suffered a fractured jaw against the Arizona Cardinals, after being hit by Ronald McKinnon and Ray Thompson, which required surgery to have three plates inserted to help the healing.{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2003 |title=Cowboys TE Witten Has Broken Jaw |url=https://apnews.com/article/77315d68e615650ba50445dc9f9f125f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109191539/https://apnews.com/article/77315d68e615650ba50445dc9f9f125f |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=AP NEWS}} He only missed one game and continued to play through the injury. Head coach Bill Parcells complimented Witten on his toughness.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=May 4, 2018 |title=Bill Parcells: Jason Witten is what NFL is supposed to be |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4766396/from-beginning-jason-witten-showed-he-was-a-bill-parcells-guy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620010354/https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4766396/from-beginning-jason-witten-showed-he-was-a-bill-parcells-guy |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Witten was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team for the 2003 season.{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2003.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031023/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2003.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Witten finished his rookie year with 35 receptions for 347 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2003/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031033/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2003/ |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He made his playoff debut in the Wild Card Round against the Carolina Panthers. He had four receptions for 30 yards in the 29–10 loss.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers – January 3rd, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401030car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109190350/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401030car.htm |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2004 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten had a breakout season in 2004, finishing with 87 receptions for 980 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. His 87 receptions led the NFC and were the 11th most in NFL history by a tight end and a Cowboys team record for the position.{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031020/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/receiving.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031036/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2004/ |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 7, against the Green Bay Packers, he had eight receptions for 112 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 41–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – October 24th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410240gnb.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115054854/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410240gnb.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 15, against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had nine receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – November 15th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411150dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170635/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411150dal.htm |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was selected to his first Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132137/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{see also|2005 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten finished sixth in the NFL among tight ends in total receptions and became the first Cowboys tight end to have at least 65 receptions in consecutive seasons.{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010145759/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/receiving.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He had 66 receptions for 757 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions for the 9–7 Cowboys in 2005.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030205837/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2005/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} As a result of his successful season, he was named to his second Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925065513/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/probowl.htm |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{see also|2006 Dallas Cowboys season}}

At the end of the 2006 season, Witten became just the tenth tight end in NFL history to post three consecutive seasons with at least 60 receptions.{{Cite web |last=Frye |first=Ryan |date=August 13, 2010 |title=Sports Spotlight: Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jason Witten |url=https://tricitiessports.com/sports-spotlight-dallas-cowboys-tight-end-jason-witten-p44717-115.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204131/https://tricitiessports.com/sports-spotlight-dallas-cowboys-tight-end-jason-witten-p44717-115.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=TriCitiesSports.com}} He registered 64 receptions for 754 yards and one touchdown, while being named to his third Pro Bowl in as many seasons.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170603/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2006/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

On July 22, Witten signed a six-year, $29 million contract extension through 2012. The deal contained $12 million guaranteed, including a $6 million signing bonus and a $6 million option bonus in the second year.{{Cite web |last=Sturm |first=Bob |date=January 31, 2011 |title=Sturm's Cowboys analysis: Defenses still can't stop Jason Witten |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/20110131-sturm_s-cowboys-analysis-defenses-still-can_t-stop-witten.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117044436/http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/20110131-sturm_s-cowboys-analysis-defenses-still-can_t-stop-witten.ece |archive-date=November 17, 2011 |website=The Dallas Morning News}}

{{see also|2007 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten had a career year in 2007, breaking his own single-season Cowboys tight end record for receptions with 96 and becoming the first franchise tight end to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season. He became the third tight end in NFL history with 96 or more catches.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170543/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2007/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He started the season off strong with six receptions for 116 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 45–35 victory over the New York Giants in Week 1.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – September 9th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709090dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115064412/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709090dal.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Week 9 game on November 4, while playing on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, he made a 53-yard reception after losing his helmet.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – November 4th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200711040phi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102060814/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200711040phi.htm |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=August 21, 2016 |title=Jason Witten 'honored' seeing iconic helmetless picture at The Star |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article97055597.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121192253/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article97055597.html |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Star Telegram}} On December 9 against the Detroit Lions in Week 14, Witten's 15 receptions tied an NFL record held by Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr., for most receptions in a game by a tight end in NFL history.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions – December 9th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712090det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102121155/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712090det.htm |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In the following game against the Eagles in Week 15, Witten became the first Dallas tight end ever to gain over 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Witten was also one of the NFL-record 13 Cowboys players selected to the Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624135926/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/probowl.htm |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was named as a First-team All-Pro for the 2007 season.{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319093121/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/allpro.htm |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Witten was nominated for the 2007 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which was won by Jason Taylor.{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2013 |title=Jason Witten Finalist for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award |url=http://tricitiessports.com/jason-witten-finalist-for-walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year-award-p63334-79.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325110112/http://tricitiessports.com/jason-witten-finalist-for-walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year-award-p63334-79.htm |archive-date=March 25, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Tri-Cities Sports}}

The Cowboys made the playoffs with a 13–3 record, winning the NFC East and earning the top seed in the NFC.{{Cite web |title=2007 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2007.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128045409/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2007.htm |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round against the New York Giants, he had seven receptions for 81 yards in the 21–17 loss.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – January 13th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801130dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111020057/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801130dal.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2008 Dallas Cowboys season}}

In Week 2, Witten recorded seven receptions for 110 receiving yards in the 41–37 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – September 15th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809150dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202115250/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809150dal.htm |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Witten made his 400th NFL reception in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13 as part of a nine-reception, 115-yard, one-touchdown performance.{{Cite web |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=November 28, 2008 |title=Witten breaks through |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/witten-breaks-through/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204132/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/witten-breaks-through/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys – November 27th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811270dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115073517/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811270dal.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 28, against the Eagles in Week 17, he completed a 42-yard pass to Terrell Owens for the first pass of his NFL career.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – December 28th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200812280phi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104045951/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200812280phi.htm |archive-date=November 4, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Witten posted 81 receptions, which ranked 13th in the NFL for 2008, 952 yards, four touchdowns, and was named a starter for the 2008 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2008/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104010220/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2008/ |archive-date=November 4, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110225251/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/receiving.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316160330/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{see also|2009 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten recorded his first 100-yard game of the 2009 season in Week 12 against the Oakland Raiders. In the 24–7 victory, he had five receptions for 107 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys – November 26th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911260dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115075451/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911260dal.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the following game, against the New York Giants, he had 14 receptions for 156 receiving yards in the 31–24 loss.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – December 6th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912060nyg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115075654/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912060nyg.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 16, against the Washington Redskins, he had six receptions for 117 receiving yards in the 17–0 victory.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – December 27th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912270was.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115080112/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912270was.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, Witten recorded another Pro Bowl season, making 94 receptions for 1,030 yards and two touchdowns while starting all 16 games.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104010152/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2009/ |archive-date=November 4, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821031640/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was given the NFL Iron Man Award.{{Cite web |last=Vetrano |first=Ace |date=February 3, 2013 |title=Witten SCORE-ing on and off the Field @JasonWitten |url=http://proplayerinsiders.com/nfl-player-team-news-features/witten-score-ing-on-and-off-the-field-jasonwitten/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404031734/https://www.proplayerinsiders.com/nfl-player-team-news-features/witten-score-ing-on-and-off-the-field-jasonwitten/ |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |website=Pro Player Insiders}}

The Cowboys finished with a 11–5 record and made the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2009 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2009.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125135601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2009.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had four receptions for 27 receiving yards in the 34–14 victory.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – January 9th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001090dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109203813/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001090dal.htm |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round against the Minnesota Vikings, he had ten receptions for 98 receiving yards in the 34–3 loss.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – January 17th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001170min.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811183348/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001170min.htm |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Jason Witten Ron Jaworski ESPNWeekend2010-034.jpg

{{see also|2010 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten banged his head on the turf after making a catch in a Week 2 loss against the Chicago Bears. He was forced to miss the rest of the game with a concussion.{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Calvin |date=September 19, 2010 |title=Cowboys' Witten, Jenkins injured vs. Bears |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5592817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620005349/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5592817 |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

In a Week 15 game against the Washington Redskins, Witten became the fastest tight end to make 600 receptions (125 games).{{Cite magazine |last=Hamm |first=Timm |date=October 3, 2021 |title=Tight End Position Means Cowboys Production |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/tight-end-jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-dalton-schultz-blake-jarwin-carolina-panthers-recap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620005637/https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/tight-end-jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-dalton-schultz-blake-jarwin-carolina-panthers-recap |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} He accomplished this with a 10-catch, 140-yard, one-touchdown day at home.{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – December 19th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012190dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106004702/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012190dal.htm |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He received his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl selection when he was named as the starting tight end for the NFC.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023404/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

At the end of the season, Witten was named tight end of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association.{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2011 |title=NFL Alumni Names Winners of 2010 Player of the Year Awards |url=http://www.nflalumni.org/ArticleDetails/tabid/94/ArticleID/75/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208162609/http://www.nflalumni.org/ArticleDetails/tabid/94/ArticleID/75/Default.aspx |archive-date=February 8, 2011 |access-date=February 9, 2011 |website=NFL Alumni}}

Overall, Witten finished the 2010 season with 94 receptions for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106004806/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was named as a First-team All-Pro for the second time in his career.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175846/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/allpro.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was ranked No. 36 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102143022/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2011 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Witten started the 2011 season with consecutive 100-yard receiving games in a loss to the New York Jets and a victory over San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets – September 11th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110nyj.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175911/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110nyj.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – September 18th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180sfo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083932/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180sfo.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 13, in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, Witten surpassed Ozzie Newsome to become the tight end with the third most receptions in NFL history with 663.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=November 13, 2011 |title=Jason Witten Among Elite Tight Ends |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/7230948/dallas-cowboys-tight-end-jason-witten-quietly-become-one-best-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183145/http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/7230948/dallas-cowboys-tight-end-jason-witten-quietly-become-one-best-history |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}} Witten finished the season with 79 receptions for 942 receiving yards and five touchdowns playing in all 16 games.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132148/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2011/ |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was ranked 75th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322201849/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2012 Dallas Cowboys season}}

On August 13, 2012, Witten suffered a lacerated spleen in the preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders and missed the rest of the preseason.{{Cite web |last=Werder |first=Ed |last2=Archer |first2=Todd |date=August 15, 2012 |title=Cowboys TE Witten has 'serious' spleen injury |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8271177/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-slightly-lacerated-spleen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620005007/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8271177/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-slightly-lacerated-spleen |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} There was talk that the seriousness of the injury could keep him out of action for a considerable time.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=August 16, 2012 |title=Jason Witten hopes to avoid surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8275738/dallas-cowboys-jason-witten-hopes-avoid-surgery-spleen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418105135/http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8275738/dallas-cowboys-jason-witten-hopes-avoid-surgery-spleen |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}}

On September 5, Witten battled back and was able to play in the season opener, catching two passes for 10 yards in a 24–17 victory over the New York Giants.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – September 5th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209050nyg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209050nyg.htm |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Witten's availability for the game was in question due to the spleen injury he suffered during the preseason, but he was active for the game after being medically cleared to play.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=September 6, 2012 |title=Jason Witten has two catches in win |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8341980/dallas-cowboys-jason-witten-plays-season-opening-win-new-york-giants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418132117/http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8341980/dallas-cowboys-jason-witten-plays-season-opening-win-new-york-giants |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2012 |website=ESPN.com}}

During Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Witten caught four passes for 58 yards.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks – September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160sea.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212083220/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160sea.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He finished the game with 702 career receptions to become just the second player in franchise history to reach 700 catches and the third tight end in NFL history to do so. Witten became the fastest tight end to reach 700 catches, reaching the milestone in 145 games.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=September 17, 2012 |title=Jason Witten won't use injury, hits as excuse |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4697751/jason-witten-wont-use-injury-hits-as-excuse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620005131/https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4697751/jason-witten-wont-use-injury-hits-as-excuse |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Witten became the youngest wide receiver/tight end to reach 700 catches at 30 years and 133 days. This record was later broken in Week 3 by Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald who totaled 707 career catches with 29 years, 23 days. His 58-yard performance gave him 7,977 receiving yards for his career passing former Cowboy Jackie Smith for fourth all-time in receiving yards among tight ends.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

After Week 3, Witten passed Ozzie Newsome for third place all-time in receiving yards among tight ends.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=October 12, 2012 |title=Jason Witten hopes to speak with Ozzie Newsome |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4699213/jason-witten-hopes-to-speak-with-ozzie-newsome |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620005221/https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4699213/jason-witten-hopes-to-speak-with-ozzie-newsome |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In Week 8, a 29–24 loss to the New York Giants, Witten caught a career-high 18 passes for a career-high 167 yards. This is also a record for receptions by a tight end; the previous record of 15 receptions was set by Kellen Winslow in 1984.{{Cite web |last=MacMahon |first=Tim |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Jason Witten sets Cowboys' record |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4700381/cowboys-waste-record-day-by-jason-witten |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418105140/http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4700381/cowboys-waste-record-day-by-jason-witten |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – October 28th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210280dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017084948/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210280dal.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

On November 4, in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, Witten set the Cowboys' all-time receptions record of 754, surpassing Michael Irvin's previous record of 750.{{Cite web |last=MacMahon |first=Tim |date=November 4, 2012 |title=Record-breaking Jason Witten: 'You play to compete for championships' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4700734/record-breaking-jason-witten-you-play-to-compete-for-championships |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418123247/http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4700734/record-breaking-jason-witten-you-play-to-compete-for-championships |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}

On December 23, in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints, Witten set the NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end (103), breaking the previous record of 102 receptions, which had been set by Tony Gonzalez in 2004.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=December 23, 2012 |title=Jason Witten sets receptions record |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8775341/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-sets-receptions-mark-tes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213118/http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8775341/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-sets-receptions-mark-tes |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}} He extended the record to 110 in the season finale.

On December 26, Witten was selected to his eighth Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023449/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} For the second time in his career, Witten was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, this time winning the award and the $25,000 donation to his charity.{{Cite web |title=Walter Payton Man of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/walter-payton-man-of-the-year.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150228/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/walter-payton-man-of-the-year.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Overall, he finished the 2012 season with 110 receptions for 1,039 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234634/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2012/ |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} His 110 receptions were the second-most in franchise history behind Michael Irvin (111 in 1995) and ranked fifth in the NFL for the season.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/leaders.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230122519/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/leaders.htm |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 41st among his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406154219/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2013 Dallas Cowboys season}}

File:NFL players at Wounded Warrior luncheon 2013 Witten-cropped.jpg

In the regular season opener against the New York Giants, Witten had two receiving touchdowns in the 36–31 victory.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – September 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175900/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080dal.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Witten surpassed Shannon Sharpe with the second most receptions as a tight end in NFL history.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=David |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Cowboys' Jason Witten passes Shannon Sharpe to rank No. 2 on NFL's all-time tight end list |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2013/09/19/cowboys-jason-witten-passes-shannon-sharpe-to-rank-no-2-on-nfl-s-all-time-tight-end-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118224919/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2013/09/19/cowboys-jason-witten-passes-shannon-sharpe-to-rank-no-2-on-nfl-s-all-time-tight-end-list/ |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=Dallas News |language=en}} His three catches during the game brought his career total to 817.{{Cite magazine |last=Steele |first=David |date=September 15, 2013 |title=Jason Witten moves to No. 2 on all-time tight end receptions list – NFL |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-09-15/jason-witten-tight-end-receptions-record-tony-gonzalez-cowboys-catches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325123449/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-09-15/jason-witten-tight-end-receptions-record-tony-gonzalez-cowboys-catches |archive-date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2013 |magazine=Sporting News}} In Week 5, against the Denver Broncos, he had seven receptions for 121 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 51–48 shootout loss.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys – October 6th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310060dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829115740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310060dal.htm |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12, in the second divisional game against the Giants, he added two more receiving touchdowns in the 24–21 victory.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – November 24th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240nyg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115094234/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240nyg.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had 12 receptions for 135 yards in the 24–22 loss.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – December 29th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312290dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173633/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312290dal.htm |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He finished the 2013 season with starts in all 16 games. He recorded 73 receptions for 851 yards and eight touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111133831/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was named to the Pro Bowl for the ninth time in his career.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082346/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was ranked 98th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407184125/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2014 Dallas Cowboys season}}

File:Jason Witten 2015 Pro Bowl.jpg]]

In a Week 5 game against the Houston Texans on October 5, Witten became only the third tight end with 10,000 career receiving yards, joining Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez.{{Cite web |last=Mullenax |first=Steven |date=October 5, 2014 |title=Cowboys Jason Witten Surpasses 10,000 Career Receiving Yards |url=https://thelandryhat.com/2014/10/05/cowboys-jason-witten-surpasses-10000-career-receiving-yards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121145202/https://thelandryhat.com/2014/10/05/cowboys-jason-witten-surpasses-10000-career-receiving-yards/ |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=The Landry Hat |language=en-US}}

Witten became the all-time leader for consecutive starts by a tight end after he started against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten – Profile |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/jasonwitten/2505629/profile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108200232/http://www.nfl.com/player/jasonwitten/2505629/profile |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2014 |website=National Football League}}{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Daniel |date=March 12, 2013 |title=Tony Gonzalez's Legacy Will Continue in Atlanta |url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Tony-Gonzalezs-Legacy-Will-Continue-in-Atlanta/cbd814f9-efb1-4059-85f9-c28722821606 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016210708/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Tony-Gonzalezs-Legacy-Will-Continue-in-Atlanta/cbd814f9-efb1-4059-85f9-c28722821606 |archive-date=October 16, 2014 |access-date=October 16, 2014 |website=Atlanta Falcons.com}} In that same game, he also became the second tight end in NFL history to reach 900 receptions.{{Cite web |last=Hartstein |first=Larry |date=October 12, 2014 |title=Jason Witten becomes second tight end with 900 catches |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jason-witten-becomes-second-tight-end-with-900-catches/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204127/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jason-witten-becomes-second-tight-end-with-900-catches/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}

In Week 7, Witten had 27 yards against the New York Giants to move his career receiving yards to 10,065 to pass Shannon Sharpe (10,060) for the second-most receiving yards by an NFL tight end.{{Cite web |last=Birchfield |first=Jeff |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Latest milestones put Witten in rare company |url=http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Sports/2014/10/22/Latest-milestones-put-Witten-in-rare-company |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204136/https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/sports/latest-milestones-put-witten-in-rare-company/article_f30ecc17-0b75-5b13-b53b-7df7bccd0ed2.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=Johnson City Press |language=en}} In Week 16, Witten sprained his knee against the Indianapolis Colts but was still able to play in the season finale against the Washington Redskins.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys – December 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118010714/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210dal.htm |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – December 28th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412280was.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215154321/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412280was.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

That season, the Cowboys emphasized the running game and although his receiving production declined, his blocking was noticed while helping DeMarco Murray lead the NFL in rushing.{{Cite web |title=2014 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041341/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2014.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/leaders.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915221740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/leaders.htm |archive-date=September 15, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Witten finished with 60 receptions for 654 yards and five touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404031737/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was named to his tenth career Pro Bowl for his 2014 season.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061701/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He was ranked 93rd by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508061426/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2015 Dallas Cowboys season}}

File:Jason Witten 2015.jpg

File:Jason Witten vs Redskins 2015.jpg

In the regular season opener against the New York Giants, Witten had eight receptions for 60 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, including a go-ahead touchdown with only 13 seconds remaining, in the 27–26 victory.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – September 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509130dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175945/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509130dal.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Witten suffered a right knee injury and two sprained ankles but was able to only miss a play and a half.{{Cite web |last=Brzezinski |first=Alec |date=September 20, 2015 |title=Jason Witten sprained both ankles, knee against Eagles, kept playing |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/cowboys-jason-witten-dallas-eagles-nfl-football/1hqdhkc9480og1lzkun04435ly |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928194130/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/cowboys-jason-witten-dallas-eagles-nfl-football/1hqdhkc9480og1lzkun04435ly |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=Sporting News |language=en}} On November 22, against the Miami Dolphins he became the franchise's iron man, playing his 196th consecutive game and surpassing Bob Lilly.{{Cite web |last=George |first=Brandon |date=November 16, 2015 |title=Iron Man: Jason Witten ties Bob Lilly's Cowboys record for consecutive-game streak |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2015/11/16/iron-man-jason-witten-ties-bob-lilly-s-cowboys-record-for-consecutive-game-streak/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118224024/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2015/11/16/iron-man-jason-witten-ties-bob-lilly-s-cowboys-record-for-consecutive-game-streak/ |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=Dallas News |language=en}} Two weeks later, in a Monday Night Football game against the Washington Redskins, Witten became the 12th player and second tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions. The only other tight end with 1,000 or more catches is Tony Gonzalez.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=December 7, 2015 |title=Jason Witten becomes 12th player, second TE with 1,000 catches |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14316871/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-reaches-1000-career-receptions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211053354/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14316871/jason-witten-dallas-cowboys-reaches-1000-career-receptions |archive-date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}} On December 27, in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills, he set the Cowboys record with his 118th consecutive game with a reception, passing Michael Irvin.{{Cite web |last=Crisp |first=Scott |date=December 28, 2015 |title=Jason Witten Quietly Makes Some History |url=http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Witten-Quietly-Makes-Some-History-363651161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305225644/http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Witten-Quietly-Makes-Some-History-363651161.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth |language=en}}

During the 2015 season, Witten was asked to be more involved in the blocking than usual, because of the team playing with four different starting quarterbacks with varying degrees of knowledge of the offense.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jean-Jacques |date=December 29, 2015 |title=Jason Witten's blocking helped Cowboys' Kellen Moore stay upright |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/71558/jason-wittens-blocking-helped-cowboys-kellen-moore-stay-upright |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620004725/https://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/71558/jason-wittens-blocking-helped-cowboys-kellen-moore-stay-upright |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He started all 16 games and led the Cowboys with 77 receptions for 713 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113165733/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

{{see also|2016 Dallas Cowboys season}}

Against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, Witten caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime, making him the first player in franchise history to score in 14 seasons.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – October 30th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610300dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223200652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610300dal.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 9, against the Cleveland Browns, he had eight receptions for 134 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 35–10 victory.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns – November 6th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611060cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115203345/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611060cle.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the season 16 receiving yards shy of Michael Irvin's all-time franchise record.{{Cite web |last=Brinson |first=Will |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Ageless tight end Jason Witten reportedly signs four-year extension with Cowboys |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ageless-tight-end-jason-witten-reportedly-signs-four-year-extension-with-cowboys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611155524/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ageless-tight-end-jason-witten-reportedly-signs-four-year-extension-with-cowboys/ |archive-date=June 11, 2017 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}} Overall, Witten started all 16 games and finished the regular season with 69 receptions for 673 receiving yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701030453/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2016/ |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He caught his first career post-season touchdown from Dak Prescott in the Cowboys' 34–31 Divisional Round loss to the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys – January 15th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701150dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115030639/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701150dal.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Jesse |date=May 10, 2019 |title=Jason Witten catches first career playoff TD |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/watch_jason_witten_catches_first_career_playoff_td/s1_12680_22970647 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620004341/https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/watch_jason_witten_catches_first_career_playoff_td/s1_12680_22970647 |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=Yardbarker |language=en}}

{{see also|2017 Dallas Cowboys season}}

File:Jason Witten vs. Redskins 2017.jpg

On March 28, 2017, Witten signed a four-year contract extension with the Cowboys through the 2021 season.{{Cite web |last=Orr |first=Conor |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Jason Witten lands contract extension with Cowboys |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000795709/article/jason-witten-lands-contract-extension-with-cowboys |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113125354/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000795709/article/jason-witten-lands-contract-extension-with-cowboys |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |website=National Football League}}

During a Week 1 19–3 victory against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, Witten recorded the Cowboys' lone touchdown.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220331/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100dal.htm |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |access-date=October 6, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} In addition, he passed Michael Irvin for most career receiving yards in franchise history and also became the third player in NFL history to have at least 150 catches against one team, joining Jerry Rice and Larry Fitzgerald.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=September 11, 2017 |title=TE Witten sets Cowboys receiving yards record |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20664233/jason-witten-passes-michael-irvin-most-receiving-yards-dallas-cowboys-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112004429/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20664233/jason-witten-passes-michael-irvin-most-receiving-yards-dallas-cowboys-history |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Goudeau |first=Jonathan |date=September 11, 2017 |title=Dallas Shuts New York's Defense Down In Season Opening Win |url=https://thesuavereport.com/2017/09/10/dallas-shuts-new-yorks-defense-down-in-season-opening-win/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118224439/https://thesuavereport.com/2017/09/10/dallas-shuts-new-yorks-defense-down-in-season-opening-win/ |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=thesuavereport.com |language=en-US}} On September 17, in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Witten had ten receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in the 42–17 defeat.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos – September 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170den.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044639/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170den.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |access-date=October 14, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He started all 16 games and finished the season with 63 receptions for 560 yards and five touchdowns, on his way to his 11th Pro Bowl, which tied a Cowboys record with Bob Lilly.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224010/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2017/ |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |last=Eatman |first=Nick |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Witten Added to Pro Bowl Roster; Ties Franchise Record With 11 Appearances |url=http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2018/01/22/witten-added-pro-bowl-roster-ties-franchise-record-11-appearances?sf179923180=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306065636/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2018/01/22/witten-added-pro-bowl-roster-ties-franchise-record-11-appearances?sf179923180=1 |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |website=DallasCowboys.com}}{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329064946/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

File:Booger McFarland and Jason Witten - 2018 SEC Summerfest 2.jpg

On April 26, 2018, reports surfaced that Witten was going to retire and accept a position as the lead analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football telecasts. A week later, Witten officially announced his retirement and confirmed he would be joining Monday Night Football for the 2018 season.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=May 3, 2018 |title=Cowboys TE Jason Witten retires after 15 seasons |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000931192/article/cowboys-te-jason-witten-to-retire-after-15-seasons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112001636/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000931192/article/cowboys-te-jason-witten-to-retire-after-15-seasons |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |website=National Football League}}

{{see also|2019 Dallas Cowboys season}}

On February 28, 2019, ESPN announced that Witten would return to the Cowboys on a one-year, $4.5 million deal, and leave his Monday Night Football position at the company.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Witten to return to Cowboys, leaving MNF booth |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26104542/witten-return-cowboys-leaving-mnf-booth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228190946/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26104542/witten-return-cowboys-leaving-mnf-booth |archive-date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} In his return to the gridiron, Witten had three receptions for 15 yards and a receiving touchdown in the 35–17 victory over the New York Giants in the Cowboys' 2019 regular season opener.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – September 8th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201909080dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707185943/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201909080dal.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, in the 2019 season, Witten started all 16 games and recorded 63 receptions for 529 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204192151/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2019/ |archive-date=February 4, 2020 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2020 Las Vegas Raiders season}}

On March 25, 2020, Witten signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=March 17, 2020 |title=Raiders agree to terms with Jason Witten on one-year deal |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/17/raiders-agree-to-terms-with-jason-witten-on-one-year-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327013955/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/17/raiders-agree-to-terms-with-jason-witten-on-one-year-deal/ |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |access-date=April 1, 2020 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports}} In Week 4, against the Buffalo Bills, he had his first touchdown as a Raider on a three-yard reception from quarterback Derek Carr.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders – October 4th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010040rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108043602/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010040rai.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was fined {{USD|15000}} by the NFL on October 5, 2020, for attending a maskless charity event hosted by teammate Darren Waller during the COVID-19 pandemic in violation of the NFL's COVID-19 protocols for the 2020 season.{{Cite web |last=Dubow |first=Josh |date=October 5, 2020 |title=AP source: 10 Raiders players fined for COVID-19 violations |url=https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-nfl-nevin-lawson-zay-jones-derek-carr-04b000122c6c0a495ad8704a78bcbc4e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111014427/https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-nfl-nevin-lawson-zay-jones-derek-carr-04b000122c6c0a495ad8704a78bcbc4e |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=APNews.com}} In the 2020 season, he started seven games and recorded 13 receptions for 69 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125222024/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00/gamelog/2020/ |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On January 27, 2021, Witten once again announced his retirement from the NFL and stated his intention to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Cowboys.{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Jason Witten retires after 17 years in the NFL |url=https://theathletic.com/news/jason-witten-retires-cowboys/qgG1RTKVs3gt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127221430/https://theathletic.com/news/jason-witten-retires-cowboys/qgG1RTKVs3gt |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |website=The Athletic}}

• Most receptions in a single game by a tight end: 18 (October 28, 2012){{Cite web |last=Katzowitz |first=Josh |date=October 29, 2012 |title=Jason Witten's 18 catches a tight end record |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jason-wittens-18-catches-a-tight-end-record/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}
• 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner{{Cite web |title=Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year-09000d5d82059f05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404031807/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82059f05/article/walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=September 13, 2013 |publisher=National Football League}}
• 4th in receptions in NFL history: 1,228 (as of 2021){{Cite web |title=NFL Receptions Career Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_career.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415095154/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_career.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Most consecutive games played by a tight end: 235 (243 including playoffs){{Cite web |title=Jason Witten – Game Logs |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/jasonwitten/2505629/gamelogs?season=2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827174147/http://www.nfl.com/player/jasonwitten/2505629/gamelogs?season=2017 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |access-date=August 28, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Hille |first=Bob |date=May 3, 2018 |title=Cowboys call news conference; Jason Witten to retire, join 'MNF' booth, reports say |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/cowboys-te-jason-witten-to-retire-join-monday-night-football-booth-report-says/1lgfb8yh5dfpo1hnjmlj3kpgui |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404044039/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/cowboys-te-jason-witten-to-retire-join-monday-night-football-booth-report-says/1lgfb8yh5dfpo1hnjmlj3kpgui |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |website=Sporting News}}
• Most consecutive games started by a tight end: 179 (186 including playoffs)
• Fastest tight end to make 600 receptions (125 games){{Cite web |date=April 15, 2020 |title=NFL All-Time TE Rankings: How Jason Witten stacks up after Mike Mayock says he belongs on Mount Rushmore |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-all-time-te-rankings-how-jason-witten-stacks-up-after-mike-mayock-says-he-belongs-on-mount-rushmore/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620003844/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-all-time-te-rankings-how-jason-witten-stacks-up-after-mike-mayock-says-he-belongs-on-mount-rushmore/ |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}

• Most career receptions: 1,215{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys Career Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/career-receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911161520/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/career-receiving.htm |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Most career receiving yards: 12,977
• Most receptions in a single game: 18 (October 28, 2012, against the New York Giants){{Cite web |title=Most Catches in a Game, Dallas Cowboys |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=most+catches+in+a+game+by+a+player%252c+dallas+cowboys |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620003443/https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=most+catches+in+a+game+by+a+player%252c+dallas+cowboys |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}
• Most games played: 255
• Most consecutive games started: 179
• First tight end to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys Single-Season Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/single-season-receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630183805/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/single-season-receiving.htm |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• First tight end to have at least 65 receptions in consecutive seasons
• First player in franchise history to score in 16 seasons

On February 1, 2021, Witten was named the head football coach at Liberty Christian School.{{Cite web |last=Gamel |first=Steve |date=August 20, 2021 |title=Cowboys legend Jason Witten willing to 'do it all' as Liberty Christian's football coach |url=https://dentonrc.com/sports/high_schools/liberty_christian_warriors/cowboys-legend-jason-witten-willing-to-do-it-all-as-liberty-christian-s-football-coach/article_68e7691b-ab5e-5fcc-a5fb-42d463da7d2a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227163041/https://dentonrc.com/sports/high_schools/liberty_christian_warriors/cowboys-legend-jason-witten-willing-to-do-it-all-as-liberty-christian-s-football-coach/article_68e7691b-ab5e-5fcc-a5fb-42d463da7d2a.html |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=Denton Record-Chronicle}} In 2023 he would lead the school to the state football championship (its fourth and its first unbeaten season in school history), the first title (at any level) in his career. In 2024, the Warriors won a second straight state title.{{cite web | last=Fritz | first=Douglas | title=Witten's front-row seat for state title was 'remarkable' | website=Johnson City Press | date=2024-11-11 | url=https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/sports/high-school/wittens-front-row-seat-for-state-title-was-remarkable/article_85a0aadc-955e-11ee-88e5-6b7e87e8dafd.html | access-date=2024-12-12}}{{cite web | last=Sanchez | first=Josh | title=Cowboys legend wins second consecutive state championship as coach | website=SI.com | date=2024-12-08 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-cowboys-legend-jason-witten-consecutive-state-championship-head-coach#:~:text=This%20weekend%2C%20Witten%20led%20the,nearly%20flawless%2027-1%20record. | access-date=2024-12-12}}

File:Jason Witten signing autographs - 2018 SEC Summerfest 1.jpg

Witten resides in Westlake, Texas, located in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex, with his wife Michelle, an emergency room nurse at Dallas's Parkland Memorial Hospital,{{Cite web |last=Land |first=Meredith |date=December 14, 2010 |title=Wife of Cowboys Star Shines in the ER |url=http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Wife-of-Cowboys-Star-Shines-in-the-ER-111897374.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116043237/https://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Wife-of-Cowboys-Star-Shines-in-the-ER-111897374.html |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=NBC – DFW}} and their four children, C.J., Cooper, Landry, and Hadley Grace.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten Biography |url=http://www.jasonwitten82.com/ssp/bio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702141134/http://www.jasonwitten82.com/ssp/bio |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |website=jasonwitten82.com}}

Witten is a Christian, and appears in a video on I Am Second in which he talks about his faith.{{Cite web |title=Jason Witten I Am Second Testimony |url=http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/jason-witten/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116001042/https://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/jason-witten/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=I Am Second}}

Witten wrote an opinion piece for ESPN, titled "How Twitter has become NFL locker room poison" in which he detailed the potential negative impact social media can have, particularly on younger players, from his personal experiences.{{Cite web |last=Witten |first=Jason |date=July 27, 2018 |title=How Twitter has become NFL locker room poison. |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24201240/how-twitter-become-nfl-locker-room-poison |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212110747/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24201240/how-twitter-become-nfl-locker-room-poison |archive-date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}

In 2021 and just days after his second retirement from the NFL, Witten spurned the overtures of several NFL and college teams to coach and was named the head football coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas.{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=February 1, 2021 |title=Retired NFL star Witten to coach at Texas HS |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30816423/retired-nfl-star-jason-witten-named-head-coach-texas-hs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210060244/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30816423/retired-nfl-star-jason-witten-named-head-coach-texas-hs |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://jasonwitten82.com}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20161203164202/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/witten_jason00.html Tennessee Volunteers bio]
• {{Footballstats |nfl=jason-witten|espn=4527|yahoo=6405|pfr=W/WittJa00}}

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