Martavis Bryant Returns to the NFL, Joins Dallas Cowboys as Training Camp Begins

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ICARO Media Group
News
08/11/2023 23h42

After being banned by the league, Bryant's journey led him to the Indoor Football League (IFL) and the XFL before finally earning a chance with America's Team.

Bryant's experience in the IFL served as a turning point for him. During a game, he collided with the back wall of the end zone, which made him realize the challenges of the indoor game. Reflecting on the incident, Bryant admitted, "I ran into the wall so I had to give it up. I was like 'I can't do it.'"

The opportunity for Bryant to return to the NFL came after months of rigorous testing, counseling, and fulfilling the requirements set by the league. Bryant's agent reached out to teams to inform them of his imminent reinstatement, and the Dallas Cowboys expressed interest in acquiring the talented wide receiver.

One person who played a pivotal role in Bryant's return to football was former college teammate DeAndre Hopkins, a three-time First-Team All-Pro and current wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans. Hopkins contacted Bryant and invited him to train in Arizona, where he provided constant support throughout the process.

Despite being 31 years old, Bryant remains confident in his abilities and aims to prove himself to doubters. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 211 pounds, he still possesses remarkable speed and physicality. Bryant asserts, "The sky's the limit for me, man. I know I'm 31, but still fast, still big, still want to play football. I haven't lost anything... It's more of me proving to myself that I still got it."

As Bryant joins the Cowboys, his immediate focus is transitioning from high-level athletic shape to football shape. He acknowledges the difference and emphasizes the need to build his endurance specific to the demands of the game. Having trained at top speed during workouts (reaching 22 to 23 miles per hour), Bryant is determined to regain his rhythm and stamina.

Currently, the Cowboys' wide receiver room consists of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, and Jalen Brooks. Bryant particularly shares a connection with Cooks, a fellow member of the 2014 NFL Draft class. The Cowboys envision Bryant serving as a deep-ball threat and red zone target, reminiscent of his time with the Steelers. Head coach Mike McCarthy expresses that Bryant's role in the offense is yet to be determined and will unfold during training camp.

Bryant fondly recalls his rookie season, catching passes from future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger. He now sees similarities between Roethlisberger and Cowboys' Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott, with whom he may soon be building a connection on the field. Bryant praises Prescott's determination and competitiveness, emphasizing his belief in Prescott's potential to be great.

As the Cowboys commence training camp, all eyes will be on Martavis Bryant as he aims to prove that he still possesses the skills and impact to contribute to America's Team. With his explosive playstyle and versatility, Bryant's return to the NFL is a story of redemption and opportunity that will unfold on the practice field and, potentially, on game days.

Note: The provided information did not include specific dates or numbers, so they were not included in the news article.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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