Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten has made a name for himself as one of the top tight ends in all of football. In 12 seasons with the Cowboys, Witten has become the team’s all-time leader in receptions, set the NFL record for catches in a season by a tight end and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times.
Pro Player Insiders spoke to Witten about the early days while he was still waiting to be drafted by an NFL team.
“I’ll never forget [my draft day]. I didn’t do anything special but I wanted to share the day with my Grandfather who was my high school coach and an important a mentor in my life. It was an incredible day obviously to get the call from the Cowboys and to become a part of that franchise.
That day I got to see my dream of playing in the NFL come true for me and also for my Grandfather. It was a special day and a day I will never forget.”
In three years of college at Tennessee, Witten went from being a defensive end prospect to a third round draft choice as one of college football’s top all-around tight ends. He finished his career third among tight ends on the school’s career reception list with 68 and fourth on the receiving yards list with 797. Despite all those accomplishments, draft day is still filled with butterflies for everyone.
“You’re six or seven years old and you dream of playing in the NFL. You can only imagine the emotion that comes when that day actually arrives,” Witten said. “There is a sense of accomplishment, a sense of I’m just getting started and there is a lot of challenges ahead.”
“In one sense it’s a long time coming and a long time achievement to accomplish your goal to be a part of the NFL,” said Witten. “At the same time, you have a long road ahead and new challenge, new city and to get ready because you’re playing at the highest level.”
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