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Former Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten likes "core" of his old team

Yes, it's still very weird to hear Jason Witten talk about the Cowboys from an outsider's perspective
Credit: Ronald Martinez
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Jason Witten looks on during the game between the Loyola Ramblers and Tennessee Volunteers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

JUSTIN, Texas — New ESPN Monday Night Football color commentator and ex-Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has optimism about the core of his former team.

Witten fielded questions about the direction of the club he spent his entire 15-season career from 2003-17 Sunday at his eponymous camp at Northwest High School. The 11-time Pro-Bowler, who announced his retirement May 3, sees a positive direction for the Cowboys with quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and linebacker Sean Lee at their core.

"I think Dak [Prescott] is getting comfortable in that role because he has the intangibles of a leader and just taking that over," Witten said. "Just talking about continuous improvement all the time, and I think for him the people he has around him and taking that next step as a football team. So, I think the core is really good. I think they've got a bright future and I'm excited to watch them."

The first week of off-season training activities commences Wednesday for Dallas. Not only will Witten be absent, but so will another former key leader in receiver Dez Bryant. Over the three weeks of OTAs and also a mandatory mini-camp the following week, the Cowboys coaching staff led by head coach Jason Garrett will have to ascertain how to empower the new leaders that emerge.

"I just think you're building a team," said Witten. "Rookies are coming in, what their role is going to be. They've lost some key players. They lost Dez [Bryant]. They've got to revamp it, and they will."

The Cowboys drafted fourth-round pick Dalton Schultz from Stanford to play tight end and ostensibly replace Witten, at least at starting tight end. Schultz is one of five tight ends on the roster, including veterans Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, and the enigmatic Rico Gathers, who has yet to even be activated in an NFL game.

"I think the tight end position is going to be better than what they think," said Witten. "They'll be okay. I think those guys understand what they're trying to ask. They're smart guys. They'll figure out their role in that system. They'll be just fine."

The former third-round pick from Tennessee admits it will be "bittersweet" to see his former teammates, especially when he watches them up close and personal Nov. 5 versus the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in AT&T Stadium.

Said Witten: "They're all such dear friends of mine and had shared commitment throughout the years. It will be tough to see them go out this season and play. But you know what? The circus doesn't stay in town forever. I said it at my press conference."

The 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year will always bring the "circus" of his ProCamps to the Metroplex. In fact, even amid the whirlwind of if he would retire or return for a 16th NFL season, Witten had the weekend of May 19-20 circled on his calendar.

"It's awesome to be here with ProCamps," Witten said. "It's just an opportunity to get out here with these kids and it's been such a huge part of my life encouraging these kids to chase their dreams. This is something that I always circled on my calendar even when the whirlwind that I've gone through. It's great to be in the moment and inspire them and encourage them in so many different ways."

Special thanks to the Terrell Tribune's Kendall Lyons for filming this video of Witten's presser Sunday at his camp.

Do you agree with Witten's assessment that the Cowboys have a solid core of players? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane.

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