Following several days of contemplating his NFL future, longtime Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has decided to step away from the game after 15 seasons to take the job as a lead analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast team. It has immediately brought into reflection Witten's illustrious career that was all entirely spent with the Cowboys.
With that in mind, former All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez stated during an interview with Up to the Minute on NFL Network on Thursday that he believes the 35-year-old should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. (h/t Nick Shook of NFL.com)
“He was a huge part of that success … you can ask those running backs who played with him how valuable he was,” Gonzalez said. “This is why he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I think without a doubt I'd put him in the top three, top four tight ends. He could be at the top if you're talking blocking and catching for all [of what you want] out of the tight end position.”
Witten has certainly put together a resume worthy of receiving much Hall of Fame consideration given the consistent amount of production where he finished second all-time in career catches and receiving yards by tight ends, only trailing Tony Gonzalez. He is also 21st all-time in receiving yards (12,448) and fourth in receptions (1,152). He is also second on the Cowboys in receptions, third in total receiving yards, and second in touchdown catches.
Beyond that, he was also one of the most complete around talents with his effectiveness as a blocker that had the ability to make catches at any point on the field on just about any route. Witten was the complete package tight end that only truly lacked top-end speed, which he made up with other top-level attributes.
There is is no certainty that he will get in on the first try, but Witten has at least put together a resume worthy of getting a bust in Canton, Ohio one day in the near future.
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