Reflection on Dez Bryant

By: Jake Rajala

Dez Bryant was once one of the most prolific wide receivers in the league. In his third season, he unveiled 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns! The season afterward, he unleashed 1,233 yards and 13 touchdowns. This made him crack his first Pro Bowl. He wasn’t quite finished just yet. In 2014, he notched 16 touchdowns! This meant he punched his first All-Pro team! After that, he took a downward spiral. Unfortunately. He failed to obtain another 1k receiving season or eclipse eight touchdowns.

In 2018, he tore achilles! This cost him his season. On the flip-side, he did land with the New Orleans Saints, which is a quality organization. They would honor him by throwing up the x when they scored a touchdown.

The achilles injury knocked him out of the loop. He never returned to full strength afterward. He joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. He was not able to be their missing piece. He only recorded six catches.

There have been WRs that could shine at an old age, such as Terrell Owens. Even Adam Thielen has been a stud at the age of 34! This was not the case for Bryant.

Bryant may have a lot of swag, similar to Odell Beckham Jr. This doesn’t mean he will be a future Hall of Famer, as I doubt he will garner a gold jacket. He should be in the Cowboys Ring of Honor, however. He was a touchdown machine for a few straight seasons alongside Tony Romo.