Christmas, Dallas Cowboys, and Family: 14 YEARS MEMORIES FOREVER  By Jason Witten  Nearly 14 years ago to the day I arrived in Dallas. I was a new member of the Dallas Football Cowboys via the 69th pick in  the 2003 NFL Draft  was as green as any 20year old Tennessee  boy could be, carrying the excitement  of a little kid on  Christmas Day. anxiously awaited the unique  privilege given to me  by Mr. Jerry Jones to participate in my first NFL  mini-camp. This was an exciting time for I had dreamed about it my entire life.  As my heart pounded, I got off the plane. grabbed my luggage and headed for the shuttle, eagerly waiting for the next  morning to arrive and my journey as a Dallas Cowboy to begin!  Little did I know, that in this short 5-mile ride, the most special relationship in my professional career was sitting next to me  and about to begin. On the shuttle that day was a young bright-eyed QB from a small D1 AA school, undrafted, and this  sort of Huck Finn way about him.  There we were-just two kids on the bus, setting out to chase our dream  The days following that now famous shuttle ride were not easy...mostly spent being on the receiving end of colorful  language from  legendary coach Bill P Truth be told, there were many days  over the next 168 months of the relationship that  were faced with extreme challenges from people inside and outside of our league. However, knowing what l know now,  I  must say that there is no one and I mean no one-l would have rather had next to me on this journey other than  Tony Romo.  After taking a few  days to reflect and collect my thoughts,lthought it was fitting and felt a desire to share some  thoughts  about Tony and why will forever be grateful to A9 and his entire fami  ly-Candice, Hawk and Rivers  While history might remember 9 for the wins and losses, as a Houdini like playmaker, the epic 4th quarter comebacks, the  lack of playoff wins, or the Brett Favre-esque no look passes, will always remember much more. No man can write his own  history, and I tend to believe that over time the historians will remember Tony as one of the great signalcallers of his era.  For me, I will remember that ultra-driven athlete who worked his tail off to learn how to perfect the proper throwing motion.  The player who would stand at the chalk board tirelessly thinking through and dissecting how to block-up a brutal Jim  Johnson blitz. A guy who would take command  at the line of scrimmage with the authority of a S-star miitary general all  while having the charisma of Joe Namath and the competitive fire of Michael Jordan. Tony would break down the nuances  of a route tree as if he was the wide-out. Ultimately, he became a player that would set the highest standard for himself,  because he knew it would create higher expectations for all of those around him. Players had to play better and coaches  had to coach better.  Most fondly, I will remember aman with a big heart, who loved to include others and took a great sense of pride in watching  them enjoy the fruits of his labor. A man with an infectious personality and a contagious smile  and wonderful sons-I know  how proud they are proud of their pop  It brings a smile to my face knowing that Tony wahave more time with his boys as they come of age. am certain their lives  will be better for it, because, with 9 as your pilot, you feel as if you can conquer the world. I know I sure felt that way  9, I am forever grateful to have had you as my QB. Your God.given talent and ability has positively impacted not just my  life, but my entire family. lam proud to call you my dear friend and brother for life.  Thank you for always believing in me, and I wish you all the best in the next chapter-cheers!!  Your Tight End.  82  realjasonwitten82 Jason Witten penned a heartfelt tribute for his captain, Tony Romo, as he embarks upon the next chapter of his career at CBS. (via @realjasonwitten82)
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