Former Tennessee football standout Jason Witten fell short of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Witten, celebrated for his achievements as a tight end, will need to wait another year to secure his spot among the Hall’s esteemed members.
Joining the Hall of Fame this year are notable players such as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, both of whom were elected on their first try. They are joined by San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig, legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri of the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly. The Class of 2026 will be honored during an induction ceremony scheduled for August 8 in Canton, Ohio.
Witten’s candidacy is particularly significant as he aims to become the fourth member of the University of Tennessee to be inducted, joining defensive greats Doug Atkins (1982) and Reggie White (2006), along with quarterback Peyton Manning (2021). Notably, Atkins and White were both Tennessee natives, and while Witten hails from Elizabethton, he hopes to add to this legacy.
Recently named the tight ends coach at the University of Oklahoma, Witten’s career was remarkable. He played 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and was selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Over his illustrious career, Witten set several franchise records, including the team’s all-time leader in receptions with 1,215 and receiving yards with 12,977. He also holds the record for the most games played by a tight end in NFL history, retiring with a total of 271 games played.
In college, Witten made a significant impact during his time at Tennessee, setting a single-season record for tight ends in receiving yards and leading his team in receptions and touchdowns in 2002. Originally recruited as a defensive end, Witten seamlessly transitioned to tight end, ultimately leaving a lasting mark on the program.
As the football community celebrates this year’s inductees, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Witten will soon find his name among the legends of the game, reflecting the legacy of excellence he established both at the collegiate and professional levels.