Dez Bryant is looking to return to the NFL in 2020. Every day there are more in-the-lab social media posts by Bryant as he attempts to get back from a gruesome achilles injury suffered days after signing a contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2018.
In an interview with The Boys & Girl Podcast hosted by NFL Network reporter Jane Slater and producer Bobby Belt, Bryant and his personal wide receiver coach David Robinson sat down after one of Bryant’s numerous workouts in attempts to return to the league this upcoming season.
Slater and Belt didn’t hold back, asking Bryant hard hitting questions. When asked about the naysayers who think Bryant may be a little slow and that time may be passing him by, Bryant said, “My message is this right here, first and foremost, I’ve never been a speed guy, so I just block that out. I’ve been running routes, my routes have improved tremendously thanks to this guy over here (Robinson), specially getting in and out of my breaks.”
Bryant went on to say he’s not listening to anyone who hasn’t played the game. Bryant has been commented on by current NFL players like Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson and those are the opinions he’s focused on because he considers them elite defensive backs still out on the field.
Slater has documented some of Bryant’s gloomier days, such as his release from the organization which drafted him and his catastrophic injury that cut his time with the Saints short.
“Mentally, I felt like I had a lot of mixed emotions. I had just been recently cut from the Cowboys. I wasn’t really trying to play football that year but I’ll save that for another time. I just wasn’t where I needed to be, mentally. I appreciate coach Payton for bringing me in and believing in me and I appreciate those guys that were there because they showed me crazy love, the best 48 hours of my life, it’s up there.” Bryant explained.
"They gotta see this! It's that attitude."@DezBryant tells @SlaterNFL about his recent conversation with Stephen Jones in tomorrow's episode of The 'Boys & Girl Podcast. pic.twitter.com/nmPTNqaMms
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) February 21, 2020
Bryant went on to mention two very crucial people who bring out the best in him. Both Robinson and Team APEC president Bobby Stroupe have played significant roles.
As you follow along with the @DezBryant comeback, there are two very crucial people by his side: @drobalwayzopen and @BobbyStroupe.
Here is a clip of Dez talking about Bobby and the work he's getting at @TeamAPEC. pic.twitter.com/hxH083oy4y
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) February 22, 2020
“Bobby is tremendous. He’s exactly what I need just like D-Rob.” Bryant explained. “He’s going to make you feel like doing it when you don’t want to do it. You need those type of guys around you.”
Belt asked the key question that’s been on everyone’s mind lately as far as a preference on where Bryant would like to play.
He envisions himself with the Cowboys because of the weapons they have on offense. “They have a loaded offense. Man, I’ve never been able to play with that much talent.” Bryant explained. “Not to be selfish but I know if I was placed in a position like that, I would do some damage”. Bryant is all for playing with the Cowboys this season but he is also prepared for other options.
“If it’s not for Dallas, Cowboy fans, hey, I want to play ball. So I’ll see who opens the doors for me. I’m just trying to come in, do whatever they tell me to do, be the best version I can and help in any type of way. If that’s me giving giving water to the quarterbacks, to the running backs, telling the other receivers certain things, I don’t mind, I miss the game.”
This is obviously a hungrier and more humble Bryant. There have been conversations with Stephen Jones and the Cowboys front office as of late but Bryant understands the business side of being in the NFL. Whichever team decides to give 88 this chance, he believes that they’re getting the best version of him yet.
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