The Dallas Cowboys‘ newest wide receiver, Martavis Bryant, spoke to the media for the first time since being signed to the practice squad earlier this week.
The Cowboys signed Bryant to the practice squad shortly after Tuesday’s scheduled visit to The Star. According to Bleacher Report, Bryant had a scheduled workout with the Tennessee Titans, but the Cowboys locked him down before that could happen.
Bryant made it clear that he’s grateful for the opportunity and happy to be in Dallas.
“It’s been a long process for me,” Bryant said. “But I stayed the course. I didn’t give up on myself.”
Martavis Bryant’s Journey Back to the NFL
The receiver hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2018 due to an indefinite suspension by the NFL. That suspension was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this week.
The #Cowboys have been in the market for another receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
While Dallas still believes in the in-house options they have, Martavis Bryant was an intriguing choice that recently became available after reinstatement.
The staff came… https://t.co/rjZmhT8z1q
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 7, 2023
“I just had a process I had to follow, stuff that I had to do,” said the receiver. “Maintain my sobriety, meet with my counselor, and doing the things I was supposed to do to show them that I changed. I put the work in, man. I’m very proud of it.”
Bryant describes it as a long process that made him want to quit football at different points. Ultimately, he persevered after self-reflection and facing his demons.
The Sky Is the Limit for Bryant
In the last five years, Bryant said he has faced “really dark places and times.”
Now, that is all behind him, and he is ready to look forward.
“The sky is the limit for me,” Bryant said.
When asked what he is still capable of, he said, “I know I’m 31, but [I’m] still fast, still big, and 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.”
He says this has been months in the making, and his agent reached out to teams across the league. It was at that point the Cowboys showed interest.
The 31-year-old is well aware that he is the new guy in the room and will do what the team needs of him, but his primary goal is to learn and grow his game.
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He said that growth will come from the guys in the room, like CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup. Bryant also said he is willing to teach them lessons he has learned throughout his career.
Bryant’s Time in the XFL
Bryant played in the XFL with the Vegas Vipers this season, generating 14 receptions for 154 yards.
He acknowledged it was different than what he was used to playing.
“It was an adjustment getting my legs back under me, playing outdoor ball again,” he said.
But it was an opportunity for him to play ball, and he is grateful for that time.
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