NFL players typically don’t get a second chance to play the game they love after being out of football for years. But for wide receiver Dez Bryant, the Baltimore Ravens represent that chance.
The Ravens are set to sign Bryant to the practice squad with the hopes of getting him up to speed and on the field this season. Bring a Super Bowl hopeful at 5-1, Baltimore is even better than just another chance to play football again for Bryant, it’s an opportunity to finally win a championship — something many great players never get a chance to do.
Bryant was very candid about his emotions at the news, taking to Twitter.
My emotions running high right now… I’m thankful…I can’t stop crying 😂
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 27, 2020
Put a shield over what you love and never give up… #flocknation #charmcity
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 27, 2020
For all the interesting things Bryant has done throughout his career and the image he once portrayed, you can’t help but to feel for him here. After moving on from the Cowboys, Bryant tore his Achilles in practice before ever playing a snap with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and it looked like his career was over. Though there are no guarantees he’ll ever see the field for Baltimore, it’s a chance for him to prove he’s still got what it takes, both to everyone else and likely himself.
The Ravens got a chance to see him up close during two workouts — one this offseason and one over the last week. While it’s unclear just how capable Bryant still is as a receiver and how much he still has left in the tank as a player, Baltimore seems to be betting on Bryant being a little extra motivated to perform.
