Jason Witten Tweets Powerful Tribute to Travis Frederick After Center's Early Retirement
By Will Coleman
Tight end Jason Witten might not be with the Cowboys for the first time in his pro career, but that doesn't mean he can't acknowledge his Dallas teammates for their work ethic during their time together.
For one ex-teammate in particular, however, Witten took to Twitter to make an example of him in light of a big occasion. Cowboys center Travis Frederick retired Monday at 29 years old to focus on his health and family after recovering from an autoimmune disease, and Witten was quick to compliment his accomplished teammate.
If you are a young player on the OL and want to get better today- pull up tape of @tfrederick72. When he first joined the team-he was good. Then, every year he got better and better. He was All-Pro, and I never saw him take a play,practice or meeting off. Hell of a player+career.
— Jason Witten (@JasonWitten) March 24, 2020
There's nothing more gratifying than having your work recognized by your co-workers and peers, but for a veteran like Witten to celebrate the five-time Pro Bowler and his impressive career is really special. Witten is a pro's pro, and he makes Frederick out to seem like the epitome of a successful NFL offensive lineman.
Frederick overcame a lot of speculation and physical hardship to get to where he is today, and that ultimately made his decision to retire that much easier.
Travis Frederick was viewed by many as a reach as the 32nd pick in 2013. He went on to start all 96 games in the 6 seasons he was healthy, making 5 Pro Bowl teams, including last season after returning from a serious medical situation (Guillian-Barré syndrome).
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 23, 2020
Excellent career.
The Cowboys already have their work cut out for them this offseason, and Frederick's departure means there's one more hole to fill on Dallas' roster. No matter who the Cowboys replace Frederick with as their starting center, the 29-year old's presence will be missed in the trenches.