ARLINGTON -- Jason Witten fought back tears in front of his locker Sunday night. One question particularly got to the 10-time Pro Bowler.

After the Cowboys suffered a 21-12 loss that eliminated them from playoff contention, Witten was asked how he would go home and try to be excited for his children who are looking forward to celebrating Christmas.

"It's hard," said Witten, starting to choke up. "You put everything you got into it, for a long time, man. It's a game. It is. But you go let them see Santa Claus tomorrow. I got a great family. I got a great support system. The next half hour just take a few deep breaths, try to process it and enjoy the moment, devour the strawberries, so to speak.

"I wish I could tell you that it would be easy. Having a good wife helps. I've been fortune. I've lived the dream here for the last 15 years with this organization. Great ownership, great coaches, great opportunity. Disappointed that we couldn't get it done this year."

A response like that would make most think the legendary tight end is thinking about hanging up his cleats for good.

That's not the case.

"I see too much positive," Witten said. "I really do. I feel too good to think that would end, so my intentions are to keep playing."

Witten, 35, would love for his career to end with him on a stage at the Super Bowl with confetti falling. He understands that might not happen. Going through 15 seasons and never reaching the conference championship game has made that a reality.

But there is enough talent on this roster -- only a year removed from a 13-3 season -- for him to think a championship is still attainable.

"There's not always a fairytale ending. I realize that," said Witten, who finished Sunday with five catches for 39 yards. "Nobody is more critical of themselves than me. I understand the expectation. But I see too many positives and feel too good to think that it would end right now."