SAN FRANCISCO — Jason Witten is one of the greatest players in Cowboys history. The tight end’s resume is filled with so much success.
It’s no wonder he emerged as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 in his first year of eligibility.
Witten is part of a HOF ballot that’s already been marked with controversy after reports surfaced that six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick, along with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, will not be part of the Class of 2026.
Witten and former safety Darren Woodson could become the latest players to don the star to join the Hall. The class will be revealed during the NFL Honors Show on Thursday.
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Woodson is in his 18th year of eligibility and fourth year as a finalist.
The two Cowboys players are included on a list of 15 modern-era finalists highlighted by quarterback Drew Brees, wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly, running back Frank Gore and linebacker Terrell Suggs.
Belichick and Kraft are in the contributor category and part of a five-man group that also has three former players from the seniors category, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood and Kenny Anderson.
From this group, the selection committee must vote for three, and whoever receives 80% of the vote is elected. If each of the candidates fails to get to that percentage, the person with the most votes is elected.
The selection committee may select up to five modern-era players. Each person must receive at least 80% of the vote.
In a 16-year career, Witten is considered one of the great players in league and team history. He was named to 11 Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. During a six-year stretch from 2007-12 he averaged 92 catches, 1,018 yards and five touchdowns. Among tight ends, Witten is second in yards (13,046) and second in catches (1,228). He trails Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez in both categories. He ranks fourth overall on the NFL’s career receptions list.
“I think he’s a slam dunk first ballot Hall of Famer to me,” said Jason Garrett, Witten’s former coach who now works for NBC Sports. “What is he third all-time in receptions in the National Football League? I think those are Hall of Fame credentials. He ended up playing (16) years, (11) Pro Bowls, certainly an elite player at his position.”
Woodson is the Cowboys’ all-time leading tackler (1,350) who earned five Pro Bowl berths and three All-Pros for a franchise that won three Super Bowl titles during his time.
Woodson’s versatility to cover wide receivers and tight ends and to play all special teams units shouldn’t be dismissed.
“You go back to those championship teams we had in Dallas in the ’90s and ask anybody on those teams who was one of the leaders and one of the biggest difference makers that we had and to a man everybody would say Darren Woodson,” Garrett said. “His numbers speak for themselves.”
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