The Pro Football Hall of Fame opted not to enshrine former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten in his first year of eligibility, but his alma mater’s home state had no qualms about immortalizing one of their best Volunteers.
The 11-time Pro Bowler was in Frisco for his annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award banquet, where they honor a standout collegiate player, when he was informed he will be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
The Cowboys’ all-time receptions leader played three seasons in Knoxville, catching 68 passes for 797 yards and 7 touchdowns in 36 games. That was enough for head coach Bill Parcells to make him a third-round pick, No. 69 overall, in the 2003 NFL Draft.
Witten is one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history and currently ranks fourth in receptions with 1,228 catches, good for second-most among tight ends. His 13,046 receiving yards are the 22nd most all-time but also rank second among TE’s behind only TE Tony Gonzalez. His 74 career TD’s rank 6th most all-time among tight ends.
The 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year winner was asked about not making the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, which may have been overshadowed by former Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick’s seismic snub.
Going through that process, I just kept reflecting back on such a humbling experience. To be mentioned for that was such a huge offer… You know it didn’t go your way, even though it’s disappointing, I look at it from the standpoint that everyone that got in, I think they’re deserving…
The two-time All-Pro finished the night announcing his namesake award to Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The Red Raider defender has been connected to the Cowboys as a potential draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: From Tennessee to NFL greatness, Jason Witten earns home-state honor
Reporting by Angel Torres, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
