Dez Bryant has had a rough year on and off the field in terms of injuries and missing practices and doctor’s appointments. However, all of that went out the window this weekend in what was presumably the toughest game of the wide receiver’s life.
On Saturday, the day before Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys were slated to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, Bryant’s father passed away.
Cowboys’ sideline reporter Kristi Scales originally reported the news that Bryant’s dad passed away Saturday due to an undisclosed illness.
“Of course, he’s very sad,” Cowboys’ Owner Jerry Jones said about Bryant. “You only have one of those. But he was getting the kind of support you would think. He’s loved in the locker room and by the coaches as well. And so there was a lot of sensitivity and love being expressed to him. I’ll say this: If he wanted to be at some place in his life, I bet in would be right in the middle of that locker room to be dealing with that.”
Bryant played his heart out to the tune of six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. The 116 yards were his most this year, while the six catchers were his second most.
After the game, to celebrate how well he played during such a tough time in his life, the Cowboys gave Bryant the game ball.
Dez receiving the game ball from Coach Garrett. #DALvsPIT pic.twitter.com/S3scTt6DIJ
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 14, 2016
The Dallas Morning News reported it wasn’t publicized how close the two were, as when Bryant was drafted back in 2010, the two had virtually no relationship according to the paper.
Cole Beasley on Dez Bryant playing with tears in his eyes: The whole game he was emotional. He was out there balling for his dad.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 14, 2016
Dez Bryant clearly emotional as he enters the end zone.
He learned of his father's death yesterday. pic.twitter.com/lgyVK0ZTKI— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 13, 2016
Dak said Dez's father "had the best seat in the house" and that "this game can bring you peace." Said he was really happy for him. pic.twitter.com/BCsgjSWowm
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) November 14, 2016
Thank you Kavon and you are exactly right… we are a family https://t.co/2gwjxkkhQl
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 14, 2016
Whether you’re a Dez Bryant and/or Cowboys fan or not, it’s safe to say it’s hard not to be a Dez fan today.
