Former Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant is making an NFL comeback after five years away from the league, and it is a journey that took a lot of mental fortitude to get through.
During his time with the Steelers, Bryant looked like an emerging star. From 2014-18, Bryant recorded 145 catches for 2,183 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns while playing for the Steelers and later the Raiders. Unfortunately, things came crashing down fast for the former Tiger.
Bryant ended up being suspended indefinitely from the NFL for violating their substance policy, a policy that many would agree was way to strict and harsh. Now reinstated and back in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Bryant met with the media for the first time to discuss his return and what it took to get back.
“Places that you couldn’t even imagine, some really dark places and times. I really would not like to talk about it because I worked so hard to get through those moments,” Bryant said.
“The sky’s the limit for me. I know I’m 31, but I’m still fast, still big, I still want to play football. I haven’t lost anything. It’s more of a prove it point to me. I got a lot of doubters out there. It’s more of me proving to myself that I still got it.”
Bryant credits Clemson teammate DeAndre Hopkins, who helped him get through the dark times. According to Bryant, he was a “big part of me getting back into this.”
The 31-year-old wide receiver has a strong opportunity as the Cowboys desperately need help outside of their star wide receiver, Ceedee Lamb.