Cooper Witten Blocked a Field Goal and Returned It 85 Yards — Jason Witten's Son Is a Walking Highlight Reel

The name on the back of the jersey did all the talking on Friday night.

Liberty Christian linebacker Cooper Witten — a five-star Oklahoma commit and the son of Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten — delivered the viral play of the high school football weekend: he blocked a Parish Episcopal field goal attempt and returned it 85 yards untouched for a touchdown.

If you have seen one clip of high school football this fall, chances are it's this one. Here's what happened, why everyone is sharing it, and what it says about one of the top recruits in the country.

What happened on Friday night

Late in the third quarter at Liberty Christian's home field in Argyle, Texas, Parish Episcopal lined up for a short field goal while trailing 41-7. The outcome of the game was no longer in doubt. The fireworks were.

Witten exploded off the edge of the line completely untouched, swatted the kick down, had the presence of mind to scoop up the loose ball, and took off down the sideline — 85 yards later, he was in the end zone. The play capped a 55-7 Liberty Christian win and gave the Warriors their fourth straight victory, improving them to 5-2 on the season.

The blocked-kick return wasn't his only contribution. Witten also caught two passes for 52 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season receiving totals to 13 catches for 265 yards and five scores. On defense, he added to a season tally of 54 tackles.

Why this clip is blowing up

The play has everything a viral highlight needs: a blocked kick (always electric), a full-field return (even better), and a famous last name on the jersey. Football fans immediately drew the connection — Jason Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowler over a 17-year NFL career spent mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, built his reputation on doing the dirty, detail-perfect work. Now his son is out here playing all three phases like a Swiss Army knife.

Recruiting watchers already know the name. Cooper is ranked No. 28 overall in the class of 2027 by the USA TODAY Sports composite, No. 4 among Texas prospects, and the No. 2 linebacker in the country. He committed to Oklahoma back in March, picking the Sooners over Georgia, Texas A&M, and Tennessee — the same Tennessee program his father starred at before his NFL career. And in a fun twist for the family storyline, Jason Witten is now on staff as Oklahoma's tight ends coach.

Key facts

• When: Friday night, October 9, 2026, late in the third quarter
• The play: Blocked field goal, scooped by Witten himself, returned 85 yards for a touchdown (USA Today)
• Final score: Liberty Christian 55, Parish Episcopal 7
• His full night: Blocked FG returned for a TD, 2 catches for 52 yards and a TD, plus defensive stops — his receiving season totals now stand at 13 receptions, 265 yards, and 5 TDs (USA Today)
• Recruiting: Five-star linebacker commit to Oklahoma (class of 2027); ranked No. 28 nationally by the USA TODAY Sports composite (USA Today)
• The family angle: Son of former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who now coaches tight ends at Oklahoma (On3)

What's next

Liberty Christian heads on the road next week to face John Paul II riding a four-game win streak. With the Texas high school playoffs approaching, Witten's stock keeps climbing — and the Sooners are surely loving what their future linebacker is doing on special teams, defense, and offense alike.

For now, the clip keeps circulating: a kid wearing the most recognizable last name in Cowboys history, making a play his dad would have been proud of. That's why the internet can't stop watching.

FAQ

Who is Cooper Witten?
A five-star linebacker recruit in the class of 2027 from Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas. He is the son of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and has committed to play college football at Oklahoma.

What happened in the viral play?
On October 9, 2026, Witten broke through the line to block a Parish Episcopal field goal attempt, scooped up the ball himself, and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown.

Is Cooper Witten really committed to Oklahoma?
Yes. He announced his commitment in March 2026, choosing Oklahoma over Georgia, Texas A&M, and Tennessee.

What is Cooper Witten ranked as a recruit?
The USA TODAY Sports composite ranks him No. 28 overall in the 2027 class, the No. 4 player in Texas, and the No. 2 linebacker nationally.