Is "82" the next respected number?

[dogunwo]

Just wondering if Witten's number will always be held with such reverence similar to the way no player wears 8, 22, or other numbers (74?)?

Maybe it will be reserved for expected elite tight ends the way 88 is given to expected star WRs? (Forget Antonio Bryant)

Or are the Cowboys done with that?

 

[Reality]

I really don't like the idea of reserving numbers. Bob Hayes had 22 before Emmitt. Drew Pearson had 88 before Dez. I would be perfectly fine with a post retirement/trade/release respect period of 5 years for certain players, but after that, the number should be available for any new player. Let the new guys have a chance to choose whether to share their number with famous Cowboys of the past or choose a new number in hopes of forging their own number history.

 

[mrmojo]

No

 

[rockj7]

No

Agreed you got to win a or a few Super Bowls

 

[Bowdown27]

Cowboys don't "retire" numbers but 82 may be up there soon. Holds a lot of records within the organization and in the nfl. Imo I'd wait to anoint him yet

 

[Cowboy06]

I really don't like the idea of reserving numbers. Bob Hayes had 22 before Emmitt. Drew Pearson had 88 before Dez. I would be perfectly fine with a post retirement/trade/release respect period of 5 years for certain players, but after that, the number should be available for any new player. Let the new guys have a chance to choose whether to share their number with famous Cowboys of the past or choose a new number in hopes of forging their own number history.

I really like this post and the thought process. I like the seeing 88 on the field...I'd like to see 12, 8, 22, 33, etc. I never saw Bob Lilly growing up so I won't comment on Mr. Cowboy. However, there is still room to respect those players (Ring of Honor, etc..)

Good post Reality.

 

[jazzcat22]

Just wondering if Witten's number will always be held with such reverence similar to the way no player wears 8, 22, or other numbers (74?)?

Maybe it will be reserved for expected elite tight ends the way 88 is given to expected star WRs? (Forget Antonio Bryant)

Or are the Cowboys done with that?

you forgot #12....

#88, been worn, #33 even been worn. I would not have minded Zeke getting #22, but that is a tough call for now.
I agree with the thought in which after a certain period of time passes, assign those numbers to a worthy prospect.
Dallas does not retire numbers, then why keep them from atop player if that was their number in college, or as in Zeke's case, a RB can't wear #15, so why not #22. But as he said, that would have been disrespectful to Emmitt, in his mind anyway.
Usually I am old school about things like this. But if they don't want to assign the number, then officially retire it.

 

[Chuck 54]

Players have actually been given 74 in preseason.

Emmitt was no more important to the championship teams than Troy and Michael. If someone breaks the rushing record or enough time passes, his number will be available again.

 

[Section446]

Nope.

 

[Garrettop]

I like the system of the number being assigned with due expectation. So no 82s on WRs now.

 

[CATCH17]

I really don't like the idea of reserving numbers. Bob Hayes had 22 before Emmitt. Drew Pearson had 88 before Dez. I would be perfectly fine with a post retirement/trade/release respect period of 5 years for certain players, but after that, the number should be available for any new player. Let the new guys have a chance to choose whether to share their number with famous Cowboys of the past or choose a new number in hopes of forging their own number history.

I agree with that. Except for Emmitt...

 

[cds99]

As much as I want to say Witten will always be remembered as an iconic cornerstone and leader to this franchise. His number will be put on another body the year after he is gone. I don't agree with it but just the way it Is.

 

[DTown214]

Like it was mentioned above, I don't like the idea of preserving numbers. Obviously not anyone can take these numbers but Zeke was the perfect guy to put Emmitt's 22 on. Just like Dez was perfect for 88. Even Gregory getting 94 made sense at the time... hopefully he lives up to it.

 

[brymatt94]

Yes and 9.

 

[AbeBeta]

If we draft a TE in the first, he might get it. But that's one we might reserve.

Another 83 catches and Written is #3 all time in receptions. (Probably 4th as Fitz will pass him).

Do people even realize he's the 10th leading receiver in the history of the league?

 

[BAZ]

It should be but unfortunately Witten has fallen into that abyss where legendary players are completely unappreciated in the few years proceeding their retirement. Larry Allen was the last that springs to mind. Soon as he was done it turned into "best to ever do it", didn't hear that on his way to San Francisco.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

It should be but unfortunately Witten has fallen into that abyss where legendary players are completely unappreciated in the few years proceeding their retirement. Larry Allen was the last that springs to mind. Soon as he was done it turned into "best to ever do it", didn't hear that on his way to San Francisco.

This. The days of retiring numbers may be over. It may be a while but someone will wear 82 after Witt is gone.

 

[iceberg]

I really don't like the idea of reserving numbers. Bob Hayes had 22 before Emmitt. Drew Pearson had 88 before Dez. I would be perfectly fine with a post retirement/trade/release respect period of 5 years for certain players, but after that, the number should be available for any new player. Let the new guys have a chance to choose whether to share their number with famous Cowboys of the past or choose a new number in hopes of forging their own number history.

agreed. every generation should be able to make their own heros. if we all did this religiously a successful team would be out of numbers sooner or later.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

I think any number should be given out. Its not disrespectful to wear a 22, 74 etc. Would love seeing those numbers again on the field scoring TDs and making plays

 

[John813]

Think it'll be a number only given out to the potential next "great" TE/WR we draft.

Just like 88, minus A. Bryant. lol