Thursday 3 May 2018 21:23, UK
Jason Witten has called time on a distinguished 15-year playing career in the NFL.
The 35-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, is expected to join ESPN's 'Monday Night Football' broadcast booth.
Witten has 1,152 catches for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns in his career, and is ranked fourth all-time in receptions, behind only Jerry Rice (1,549), Tony Gonzalez (1,325) and Larry Fitzgerald (1,234).
He said: "After much self-reflection, prayer and faith, I've decided that the time has come for me to pass the torch to the next generation of Dallas Cowboys and retire from the National Football League.
"I was never the most talented, never the flashiest. I relied on grit. Other players might have been more talented, but no one was going to outwork me."
Witten was a third-round pick out of Tennessee back in 2003 and went on to be selected to 11 Pro Bowls during his stellar career.
He is likely to be elected to the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible and holds NFL records for most catches in a season by a tight end (110) and most catches in a game by a tight end (18).
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said of Witten: "He's simply the best example I know, of what you want a football player and a person to be, on and off the field.
"The number of times I told young players, veteran players, every play, 'Watch No. 82, do it like he does it.' It was incredible."
