Longtime Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is retiring and will become an analyst on "Monday Night Football," according to multiple reports on Friday morning (AEST), including by Sporting News.
Witten, who turns 36 on Sunday, didn't comment for the reports. The Cowboys have called a 2 p.m. CT news conference at which Witten's retirement officially will be announced, NFL Network reported.
He has wrestled with the decision, especially for the past week, but has told owner Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett of his decision. Garrett had tried to persuade him to return for a 16th NFL season.
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Citing unidentified sources, ESPN.com reported that Witten leaned heavily on Jones in coming to a conclusion.
As recently as Wednesday, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones had said the team didn't have a timeline on when Witten could make his decision.
An 11-time Pro Bowl selection and potential Pro Football Hall of Famer, Witten leaves as the Cowboys' all-time leader in games played, consecutive games played, starts, catches and receiving yards and is a virtual shoo-in to be added to the team's Ring of Honor at AT&T Stadium.
