After a five-year hiatus from the National Football League (NFL), wide receiver Martavis Bryant is all set to return to the spotlight. This Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys made the decision to bring Bryant on board, adding him to their practice squad. This major career move concludes an eventful period for Bryant, who has previously faced three suspensions from the league.
Bryant’s last NFL performance was with the Raiders during their 2018 season, prior to their much-publicized move from Oakland to Las Vegas. That particular season ended abruptly for Bryant, as he was given an indefinite suspension because of substance-abuse violations. The suspension put a premature hiatus on his NFL career.
Born in 1990, Bryant came into the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. Over the next four years, he would remain with the Steelers. However, his NFL career saw a major setback when he was suspended for the entire 2016 season following an incident, marking his time there with highs and lows.
Post the suspension, Bryant kept his passion for the sport alive by broadening his horizons and playing in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and later, the Xtreme Football League (XFL). His commitment, combined with his talent, caught the Cowboys’ attention, who brought him in for a workout. Impressed by his performance and dedication, they ended up signing him onto their practice squad.
Bryant demonstrated his potential for brilliance in his initial years with the NFL. As a rookie, Bryant made quite an impression by scoring eight touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He continued this success a year later and despite serving his first four-game suspension, managed to have his career high with 765 yards receiving and six touchdowns in just 11 games.
Life after suspension was a period of revival for Bryant. Missing out on the entire 2016 season seemed to fuel his determination. With the Steelers in 2017, Bryant managed to rack up 603 yards and score three touchdowns. His time with the Steelers was then followed by an eight-game stint with the Raiders in 2018, before his career took an unexpected pause due to the indefinite suspension.
Stepping back into the scene, Bryant will now be joining a team spearheaded by CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has consistently delivered outstanding performances, pulling off three straight 100-yard games. This commendable achievement places him fifth throughout the NFL, with a total of 824 yards.
An interesting facet in this story is the position of Brandin Cooks, who was a part of the same draft class as Bryant. Currently an offseason trade acquisition, Cooks’ career trajectory offers an interesting comparison to Bryant’s. The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to sign Bryant could possibly lead to an exciting dynamic between these two players in the coming days.
All in all, Bryant’s return represents a significant moment not just for him, but also for the NFL. This comeback could serve as an inspiration for other players who have found their careers put on hold and are seeking a second chance.
The Dallas Cowboys’ newest recruit has shown resilience and determination in continuing to pursue his football aspirations, regardless of the obstacles in his path. The Cowboys, in recognizing these qualities, have given Bryant an opportunity to fully harness his potential and bring his A-game back to the field.
While it’s still early days, the decision to incorporate Bryant into their practice squad may potentially prove to be a strategic move for the Cowboys. Depending on Bryant’s performance during the coming season, this could enhance the team’s overall performance and add a compelling storyline to the season.
Supported by a talented group of players, including the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, Martavis Bryant’s journey from now on will indeed be one to watch out for. His second chance at an NFL career is a chance for redemption, and an opportunity to prove his mettle once again.
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season with their new addition, fans and commentators alike are waiting to see what this return signifies for the future of the team as well as Bryant himself. If success is on the horizon, it may be a victory for both the player and the team.
