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Dallas Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten indicates that he plans to retire from NFL

The long-time Cowboy is apparently going out to pasture

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fans of the New York Giants can breath a sigh of relief on Friday as Dallas Cowboys tight end, and long time Giants killer, Jason Witten has finally decided to call it a career.

The 35 year old, 15-year veteran was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 draft and has been a thorn in the side of the Giants ever since.

But while the common joke is that the Giants’ often neglected linebacking corps has padded his stats, it is undeniable that Witten will retire as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, having been a four-time All-Pro and having gone to 11 Pro Bowls. He is behind only Jerry Rice, Larry Fitzgerald, and Tony Gonzalez in terms of total passes caught over his career.

Indications are that Witten will be replacing Jon Gruden on the announce team for Monday Night Football, following in the footsteps of his long-time quarterback, Tony Romo.

Witten’s decision also, apparently, blind-sided the Cowboys themselves, who have not prepared for his retirement.

After releasing Dez Bryant, Dallas apparently has a serious need for pass catchers. They could be forced to select a player like North Dakota State’s Dallas Goedert or Penn State’s Mike Gesicki.

We will just have to see what impact Witten’s decision has on the Cowboys’ draft plans.