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Former Vol and Current Dallas Cowboys Star Jason Witten Becomes Second Tight End With 1,000 Receptions

By Caleb Calhoun

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Dallas Cowboys veteran Jason Witten, who played for the Tennessee Volunteers, became the second tight end in NFL history with 1,000 receptions Monday.

Next: 3 Vols Named to 2015 All-SEC

Arguably the most complete tight end in NFL history, Jason Witten is another former Tennessee Vols football player to make his mark in NFL history, climbing as high up on the tight ends list as Peyton Manning is on the quarterbacks list.

With a 13-year NFL career, Witten became just the second tight end in league history to rack up 1,000 catches in the Cowboys’ 19-16 victory over the Washington Redskins Monday night, joining Tony Gonzalez.

Throughout his career, as a late steal in the 2003 NFL Draft, Witten has been Mr. Reliable, having caught 1,003 passes for 11,055 yards and 59 touchdowns.

He has been a leader for the Cowboys throughout his career as well, helping to bring along Tony Romo and still mentoring Dez Bryant.

Witten may not be able to catch Gonzalez in overall reception numbers, but a legitimate argument could be made that he was a more complete tight end throughout his career.

Gonzalez was more of a receiving tight end, while Witten might be the only tight end in history who could have played wide receiver or offensive tackle on any team if he wanted to.

He is a true Vol for Life.

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Honestly, many in Vol Nation may remember Witten for not being utilized enough in college. Considering he was the most unstoppable tight end you ever could have had on your team, Phillip Fulmer and Casey Clausen at the time should have looked his way every play.

Witten did come through in big moments plenty of times, including the Alabama game in 2001 and catching the game-winner to beat Arkansas in 2002 in the sixth overtime.

The profile on him coming out of college was being a lesser version of Jeremy Shockey. How laughable does that sound now looking back? A lesser version?

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Jason Witten is one of the greatest players ever to put on a Vol uniform, and he is one of the greatest Vols ever to go into the NFL. He has represented the university, the program, his coaches, and the sport in general in the best way possible.

Congratulations to a great man.

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