Hall of Fame head coach Bill Parcells took time to reflect upon one of his star pupils, Jason Witten, after the longtime Dallas Cowboys tight end announced his retirement this week.

Parcells served as the Cowboys' head coach from 2003-2006 - Witten's first four seasons in the league - and on Friday he raved about the 11-time Pro Bowler he helped mentor.

"Jason Witten is what pro football is supposed to be about. He came to the Cowboys, got himself established very early, maximized his potential as a player and sustained very, very good play for an exceptionally long period of time and made a significant contribution to the team every year,” Parcells said via ESPN's Todd Archer. “Now he’s transitioning to another career (ESPN analyst) by virtue of his reputation and his affiliation with the Cowboys and the success he has had. That’s what pro football is supposed to be.”

During his playing days, Witten established a reputation as one of the best tight ends of his generation and didn't miss a single game following the 2006 season.

Parcells added that Witten was very well prepared for the rigors of NFL football, while lobbying for the tight end's induction into Canton.

"I don't think there’s much doubt he’s going to wind up in there," the former coach said. "His credentials are certainly worthy."