Jason Witten is taking his Hall of Fame snub in stride. The Dallas Cowboys legend addressed the 2026 voting results at the Collegiate Man of the Year awards.

He was a finalist for the 2026 Pro Hall of Fame class in his first year of eligibility, but couldn't move forward as he didn't get enough votes for induction. 

“I just keep reflecting on such a humbling experience, and you always get those chills on your arm and hair in your neck stand up because your name is to be mentioned there, it's such a huge honor,” Jason Witten said, per Tommy Yarrish's X post.

The 11-time Pro Bowler checked every box, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame had other plans. Despite making the final cut as a top-15 candidate, one of the game’s most decorated tight ends was left waiting.

He compared it to his previous win of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, where he did not receive the award during his first year of eligibility, but received it eventually in 2012. Witten takes the whole situation in a positive light and is appreciative of being part of the Hall of Fame. 

“I'm just going through that process, and at some point it becomes frustrating or disappointing to a greater degree, but for me it's been like you play the game in the right way, you put it all out there, and the rest takes care of itself,” Witten further said.

Witten is one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history and currently ranks second (among TEs) in receptions with 1,228 catches.

His 13,046 receiving yards also rank second among TEs behind only TE Tony Gonzalez. Witten's 74 career TDs rank 6th most all-time among tight ends.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class was extremely competitive, with Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, and Luke Kuechly making the cut. Amid that, Jason Witten focused less on the outcome and more on the experience, maintaining a more grounded outlook.

Witten also recently spoke about his transition to coaching, being a tight end coach with the University of Oklahoma, during the same ceremony.

Jason Witten Begins New Chapter at Oklahoma

Witten, the Texas Sport Hall of Fame recipient, leapt to the college level in 2026, taking on his first collegiate coaching role as tight ends coach under Brent Venables at the University of Oklahoma.

Before joining as the tight end coach of the University of Oklahoma, Jason Witten spent five seasons as the head coach at Liberty Christian School.

He immediately joined as the school’s head coach after announcing his retirement in 2021. And during his term, he led the program to back-to-back State Championships in 2023 and 2024.

Witten has described the move as impactful and special, stating it to be a “unique opportunity”. During the press event at the Collegiate Man of the Year banquet, he mentioned looking forward to working with Brent Venables. 

“Coach Venables is someone I align with and someone I can learn from,” he said on joining hands with the HC of the University of Oklahoma.

Ultimately, Jason Witten is embracing this new chapter with optimism, both in his transition to coaching and in handling his Hall of Fame snub.

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote