86R816 JCD-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 11
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Tight end Jason Witten announced his retirement from
the Dallas Cowboys in May 2018, concluding an illustrious
professional football career that spanned 15 seasons; and
WHEREAS, After spending his early childhood in Washington,
D.C., Jason Witten moved to Elizabethton, Tennessee, where he
garnered numerous honors as a high school player; he went on to
attain further glory at the University of Tennessee, finding his
niche as the Volunteers' tight end; following an impressive junior
season, he was selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the
2003 NFL draft; and
WHEREAS, The longest tenured player to ever wear the Dallas
uniform, Mr. Witten holds the franchise records in receptions,
receiving yards, catches in a single game, games played and
started, and consecutive games played and started; moreover, his
impressive total of 1,152 catches ranks fourth best in NFL history;
this outstanding athlete further distinguished himself as an
11-time Pro Bowl selection, and he received All-Pro honors on four
occasions; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Witten is also renowned for his philanthropic
work; he established the SCORE Foundation to support a range of
worthwhile endeavors, and he has been particularly active in
initiatives to reduce domestic violence; in recognition of his
efforts, he was named the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year;
and
WHEREAS, An exemplary role model both on and off the field,
Jason Witten has earned the lasting respect of his fellow players
and the admiration of countless fans, and his superb performance
through a decade and a half of NFL competition has earned him a
special place in the pantheon of legendary Dallas Cowboys; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Jason Witten on his successful career with
the Dallas Cowboys and extend to him sincere best wishes for the
future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Witten as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.