Testimonies - I Am Second - Jason Witten

On September 16, 2012 against the Seattle Seahawks, Witten caught 4 passes for 58 yards. He finished the game with 702 career receptions to become just the second player in franchise history to reach 700+ catches (Michael Irvin has 750) and the third tight end in NFL history to do so (Tony Gonzalez and Shannon Sharpe are the other two). Witten became the fastest tight end to reach 700 catches, reaching the milestone in 145 games, Gonzalez took 154 games and Sharpe took 178 games. Witten also became the youngest wide receiver/tight end to reach 700+ catches with 30 years, 133 days. This record was later broken in Week 3 by Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald who totaled 707 career catches with 29 years, 23 days. Furthermore, his 58 yard performance gave him 7,977 receiving yards for his career passing Jackie Smith for fourth all-time in receiving yards among tight ends.

After week 3, Witten passed former tight end Ozzie Newsome for third place all-time in receiving yards among tight ends.

In week 8, Witten caught a career-high 18 passes for a total of 167 yards.[10] This is also a record for receptions by a tight end; the previous record of 15 receptions was set by Kellen Winslow Sr. in 1984.

On November 4, 2012 against the Atlanta Falcons, Witten set the Cowboys' all-time receptions record of 754, surpassing Michael Irvin's previous record of 750.

On December 23, 2012 against the New Orleans Saints, Witten set the NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end. Witten's 103rd catch of the season broke the previous record of 102 receptions, which had been set by Tony Gonzalez in 2004. He extended the record to 110 in the season finale.

On December 26, 2012 he was selected to his 8th Pro Bowl.

For the second time in his career, Witten was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, this time winning the award and the $25,000 donation to his charity.

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