Pro Bowl Still Special for 15-Year NFL Veteran Jason Witten

ORLANDO, FL – Throughout his entire 15-year NFL career, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has been a model of consistency for the organization while performing at a high level. Over that span, he has racked up 1,152 catches for 12,448 yards, which are respectively all-time franchise records

So it should come as no surprise that Witten, 35, tied another franchise record this year as he was selected to play in his 11th career Pro Bowl in Orlando, FL. He had two catches for 16 yards in the NFC’s 24-23 loss to the AFC team on Sunday afternoon at Camping World Stadium.

The game, however, hasn’t lost its luster for Witten, who was joined this week in Orlando by his wife, Michelle and four children.

“I always said that I wanted to play long enough that my kids could experience it,” Witten said of the Pro Bowl while standing next to his 11-year-old son, C.J., the oldest of his four children. “That’s important to me that they’re out here helping out in practice and getting autographs from their favorite players.”

“For your kids to see and remember what your career was all is about is special to me,” he added.

His longevity and durability at the position are a byproduct of his consecutive games started streak (179), which he currently ranks second among active players only behind Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (192).

Witten also talked with great pride about his career as a Dallas Cowboy and about some of the qualities that he tried to focus on.

“The Cowboys are the best organization in all of sports,” he suggested. “It’s America’s team and it’s been that way for a reason. It’s had a huge impact on my career and I’m thankful (Cowboys owner Jerry) Jones gave me an opportunity to play there. It’s changed my life for sure.”

Some of the qualities that he mentioned the Cowboys look for in players are ‘high character individuals’ and those that ‘carry themselves well on and off the field.’

As one of the faces of the franchise over the last decade, Witten has done just that over the years. In 2012, he won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes the player’s volunteer and charity work as well as excellence on the field.

While he continues to compile memories over the longevity of his career, Witten’s accomplishments should put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame discussion. Should he be inducted, all of his children will be of age to remember the life-long achievement. For now, he is looking forward to coming back for his 16th season next year.