Just over four years ago, the football world said goodbye to one of its most consistent and beloved players. Jason Witten, the iconic No. 82 of the Dallas Cowboys, officially retired from the NFL in March 2021. After a 17-year career filled with toughness, leadership, and unmatched reliability at the tight end position, Witten signed a one-day contract to retire as a Cowboy, bringing closure to a legendary professional career. But while Witten left the professional gridiron, his passion for football never waned. Today, that same passion has translated into an equally impressive second act: coaching high school football and transforming Liberty Christian School into a powerhouse in Texas.
When Witten walked away from the NFL, it wasn’t into the sunset of relaxation or commentary booths. Instead, he stepped onto the field again—this time as a mentor, teacher, and leader of young athletes at Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas. At a time when many former NFL stars choose media gigs or corporate roles, Witten chose the sidelines, the weight rooms, and the chalk talks. His decision was personal. It was about legacy, about family, and about giving back to the game that gave him so much.
Witten’s impact at Liberty Christian has been nothing short of extraordinary. In a few short seasons, he took over a program that had struggled to find consistent success and turned it into a dominant force. But what makes his success even more remarkable is that his journey as head coach is also a family affair. Both of Witten’s sons play on the team, making this not just a story about wins and championships, but about fatherhood, mentorship, and legacy.
In just his second and third seasons as head coach, Witten led Liberty Christian to back-to-back state championships. The titles were not won easily; they came through grit, hard work, and the kind of discipline and team-first mindset Witten was known for in the NFL. His teams mirrored the values he displayed as a player: resilience, commitment, and an unrelenting competitive fire. Players bought in. Parents rallied around the program. And the community embraced Witten not just as a former Cowboy but as a coach who truly cares.
Witten’s coaching style is intense but compassionate. He’s the first to show up and the last to leave. He pushes his players hard, but always with encouragement and belief in their potential. He emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and teamwork. He demands excellence but doesn’t define it solely by wins. That mindset has cultivated a culture of respect, determination, and brotherhood within the team. His players aren’t just learning football; they’re learning life skills that will stick with them long after the final whistle.
Perhaps what resonates most is the way Witten has embraced this chapter with the same humility that made him a fan favorite throughout his NFL career. He doesn’t carry himself like a celebrity or act like he’s above high school sports. Instead, he’s fully immersed in the grind. Whether he’s coaching up special teams or picking up trash after practice, he leads by example.
Coaching his sons has added a deeply personal layer to the experience. For Witten, it’s about more than just winning—it’s about being present. After years of grueling NFL schedules and time away from family, he now gets to share the game with his boys on a daily basis. He’s teaching them the game that shaped his life while also modeling what it means to be a good teammate, a leader, and a man of character. The sight of Jason Witten celebrating with his sons after winning a second straight state title is the kind of full-circle moment that sports fans live for.
Witten’s transition from NFL star to high school coach isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a blueprint for what post-retirement life can look like for athletes who still crave competition and purpose. Instead of chasing the limelight, Witten found fulfillment in service. Instead of seeking status, he chose impact. And in doing so, he’s building something that could last far beyond his own tenure.
The ripple effects of Witten’s leadership are evident throughout the Liberty Christian program. Enrollment is up. Game attendance has soared. Interest from college scouts has grown. But more importantly, the school has cultivated a reputation as a place where young athletes are developed not just physically, but mentally and morally. Parents trust Witten with their sons because they know he’s instilling values that transcend sports.
Fans of the Dallas Cowboys remember Witten for his toughness—playing through injuries, making clutch catches, and blocking with fierce determination. Those traits are now ingrained in a new generation of players wearing Liberty Christian jerseys. They’ve watched film of his NFL highlights. They’ve heard his stories. But more importantly, they get to see those qualities in action every single day at practice.
Witten’s presence has also brought a sense of pride and identity to Liberty Christian. The school isn’t just winning; it’s winning the right way. The back-to-back championships are the result of a culture shift, one that prioritizes discipline, effort, and faith. For Witten, that matters just as much as the scoreboard. He sees his role as preparing young men not just for the next level of football, but for life.
For longtime fans, it’s no surprise that Witten is excelling in this role. During his NFL career, he was a perennial Pro Bowler, a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, and a locker room cornerstone. He was the kind of player who made everyone around him better. Now, he’s doing the same for a group of teenagers who are soaking up every bit of wisdom he offers.
Even amid his coaching success, Witten remains deeply connected to the Cowboys and their fanbase. He still attends events, speaks on leadership panels, and is seen on the sidelines of NFL games. But Liberty Christian is where his heart is right now. It’s where he’s making memories that may not be broadcast on national TV but are just as meaningful.
In an age where youth sports can be overwhelmed by ego and pressure, Witten stands out as a beacon of authenticity. His story is one of quiet greatness, of doing the right thing for the right reasons. And it serves as a reminder that the values that make someone great on the field—dedication, humility, love of the game—are the same ones that can make a lasting difference off it.
Jason Witten may have hung up his NFL cleats, but he never stopped being No. 82 in spirit. His legacy continues, not just in Cowboys history books, but on a high school field in Texas where faith, family, and football converge. Two state championships in two seasons as head coach are impressive. But for Witten, the real win is being able to lead, to teach, and to share this journey with his sons by his side. And for that, he’ll always be a champion.
We love you, 82.
