He followed that success with a breakout season last year, which saw him set Cowboys team records for receptions by a tight end (87), and yards receiving by a tight end (980). Those numbers helped Witten make the Pro Bowl in only his second year in the league. After his appearance in the NFL Pro Bowl, he was selected to compete for the NFC in the “Battle of the Gridiron Stars (which aired on the NFL Network). Prior to becoming a Dallas Cowboy, Witten excelled at the collegiate level for the University of Tennessee. Despite playing tight end for just two seasons, Witten still ranks third among tight ends for receptions in a career (68) and fourth among tight ends for receiving yards in a career (797). In 2002, he closed out his college career by establishing school records for receptions (39) and receiving yards (493) in a season by a tight end.

He was named to the All-SEC team, the All-American team, and was an Academic All-SEC honoree for the Volunteers. Jason is married to Michelle, who is a Head ER Nurse at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He is active in many community charities, including the Children’s Cancer Fund and the “Touchdowns for Tots” program. Annually Jason hosts the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award to honor exemplary leadership by a college player.