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Cowboys' Dez Bryant ready to 'go hard' when he makes full recovery
By RAINER SABIN / The Dallas Morning News
Published 25 February 2011 09:37 PM
PLANO – In the last year, change has been the theme in Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant’s life. He transformed from hot-shot college prospect into rookie sensation, watched Wade Phillips get fired, saw Jason Garrett take Phillips’ place, and suffered a season-ending injury.
“It’s been crazy,” he said Friday after signing autographs at Ticketstock.
It’s certainly been a trying experience for Bryant , who collected 45 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games before fracturing his right ankle against Indianapolis on Dec. 5. But it hasn’t become any less turbulent since Bryant’s season was cut short. In January, former wide receivers coach Ray Sherman’s contract wasn’t renewed and a month later Jimmy Robinson was hired as his successor. Bryant said he was “down” after hearing the news about Sherman’s departure but acknowledged he was “excited” about Robinson’s arrival.
As Bryant’s direct supervisor changed, he has continued to go to the Cowboys’ practice facility, enduring daily rehabilitation sessions in the morning that extend from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
“It’s been a positive experience for him,” said Garrett, the Cowboys’ head coach.
Bryant agreed, adding that “everything is going well.”
But Bryant’s world is expected to turn upside-down again next week if the NFL Players Association and the league can’t hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement by the end of next Thursday. In the event that the two sides are unable to settle their difference and a lockout occurs, Bryant has a contingency plan. He has made arrangements to train in New Orleans with Duke Rousse, who worked with Bryant before he began his pro career and has a clientele list that includes NFL stars such as
Darren Sharper.
“Whenever I make a full recovery and can do a full sprint, we’re going to go hard,” said Bryant, who was walking without a limp. “I love intense workouts.”
Living in an environment that has been in flux, Bryant acknowledges he could have been overwhelmed by the change he has faced. But he said that football, the one constant, has helped him stay on course.
“I’ve kept myself together,” he said, “and now I’m ready for any obstacles to come.”
By RAINER SABIN / The Dallas Morning News
Published 25 February 2011 09:37 PM
PLANO – In the last year, change has been the theme in Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant’s life. He transformed from hot-shot college prospect into rookie sensation, watched Wade Phillips get fired, saw Jason Garrett take Phillips’ place, and suffered a season-ending injury.
“It’s been crazy,” he said Friday after signing autographs at Ticketstock.
It’s certainly been a trying experience for Bryant , who collected 45 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games before fracturing his right ankle against Indianapolis on Dec. 5. But it hasn’t become any less turbulent since Bryant’s season was cut short. In January, former wide receivers coach Ray Sherman’s contract wasn’t renewed and a month later Jimmy Robinson was hired as his successor. Bryant said he was “down” after hearing the news about Sherman’s departure but acknowledged he was “excited” about Robinson’s arrival.
As Bryant’s direct supervisor changed, he has continued to go to the Cowboys’ practice facility, enduring daily rehabilitation sessions in the morning that extend from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
“It’s been a positive experience for him,” said Garrett, the Cowboys’ head coach.
Bryant agreed, adding that “everything is going well.”
But Bryant’s world is expected to turn upside-down again next week if the NFL Players Association and the league can’t hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement by the end of next Thursday. In the event that the two sides are unable to settle their difference and a lockout occurs, Bryant has a contingency plan. He has made arrangements to train in New Orleans with Duke Rousse, who worked with Bryant before he began his pro career and has a clientele list that includes NFL stars such as
Darren Sharper.
“Whenever I make a full recovery and can do a full sprint, we’re going to go hard,” said Bryant, who was walking without a limp. “I love intense workouts.”
Living in an environment that has been in flux, Bryant acknowledges he could have been overwhelmed by the change he has faced. But he said that football, the one constant, has helped him stay on course.
“I’ve kept myself together,” he said, “and now I’m ready for any obstacles to come.”