After 15 seasons of serving as a phenomenal athlete, player, leader, and mentor for the Dallas Cowboys franchise, Jason Witten decided to hand up his cleats and retire from the National Football League.

Just a few months earlier, there were rumors that Witten was receiving an offer from ESPN to become their new football color analyst, just like his former quarterback Tony Romo (who retired from the team in 2017 after being replaced by the young, Dak Prescott, and eventually entered the booth to broadcast).

But, those rumors were put to rest when Witten informed media that he wanted to continue to play throughout the upcoming years. But, something changed in Witten when he considered retirement in day two of the NFL Draft, sending fans and the Dallas Cowboys front office in shock and disbelief.

Once his decision was final, the Dallas Cowboys held an emotional press conference so Witten could publicly announce his retirement to the world.

Witten ended his National Football career with over 1,152 receptions for 12,448 yards, 68 touchdowns, and played in 239 games in his career. In 2003, he made the All-Rookie Team, he appeared in the NFL Top 100 over five times, and he earned the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2012. Witten is an 11 time Pro Bowl Tight End, and an two time All-Pro.

Jason Witten’s next stop? Canton, Ohio — the home of the Football Hall of Fame and the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, where in both he will live forever.