Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has been a reliable stalwart of the team for 15 seasons now, and the 35-year-old picked up another accolade on Thursday. Witten broke the record for most receiving yards on Thanksgiving on a four-yard reception against the Los Angeles Chargers late in the second quarter.
Jason Witten sets record for most receiving yards on Thanksgiving
The Cowboys tight end passed former Lions receiver Herman Moore in the record books.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Witten entered the day having played 14 Thanksgiving games and recording 809 receiving yards, just 25 yards behind the Detroit Lions’ Herman Moore, who had 834 receiving yards in 10 games.
As a longtime member of the Cowboys, Witten already owned a couple Thanksgiving records coming into the season, including games played (14) and receptions (73). On Thursday, he added to both, appearing in his 15th Thanksgiving game and catching five passes for 29 yards in the first half.
Witten joined the team as a third-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in 2003. He’s since become one of the best tight ends of his generation, emerging as a reliable weapon for Tony Romo throughout the 2000s and 2010s and doing the same for Dak Prescott now. Witten entered Thursday’s game with 1,132 career receptions, the fourth-most ever in the NFL. He also had 12,273 yards (22nd all-time) and 66 touchdowns.
Witten is still producing at age 35. Heading into this game, he racked up 43 catches for 385 yards and three touchdowns. His longevity is impressive for the tight end position, and he’s putting up numbers good enough to make a Hall of Fame case when he eventually hangs up the cleats.
But for now, Witten will just enjoy holding this record as he celebrates Turkey Day.
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