Former Raider Leads School to D-II State Title

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Aidan Champion | Last updated 12/4/23

Dallas Cowboys legendary tight end Jason Witten added to his football success in the state of Texas on Friday night.

Witten, who finished his 17-year NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, went on to become head coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas the following year.

Just two years later, Witten led his team to the TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) Division II title game in Waco on Friday. They blew out the Regents Knights from Austin, 52-10 to clinch the state title and cap off a 14-0 season, the first undefeated season in program history.

Liberty Christian, a kindergarten-through-12th grade private Christian school, had not won a state championship in football since 2007.

Witten has gone 26-10 in his first three seasons as head coach.

"I have been dreaming for this moment since I was 12 years old, and I'm 41 now" Witten told the Forth Worth Star-Telegram. "Can't say enough about this team, the coaches, the fans. Just incredibly proud."

Witten was able to coach two of his sons, junior C.J. and freshman Cooper, who each played defense for the title team.

"This experience of coaching with my kids on the team has been life-changing for me," Witten said. "I can't describe what it has meant. Creating great memories. To experience this with my kids and family is just amazing."

Witten was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He would play there for 15 straight seasons, earning 11 Pro-Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. The veteran then retired for the 2018 season but returned for one final campaign with Dallas.

Witten then played in all 16 games for Las Vegas, having made seven starts. He recorded just 69 yards on 13 receptions. He did, however, score two touchdowns.

Witten is fourth on the NFL's all-time career receptions with 1,228.

The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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