Whether you’re discussing the “Dez caught it” play of the 2014 season or his recent public statements regarding NFL players and contracts, one thing that can be stated with certainty is that Dez Bryant is a controversial figure.
But lately, via his platform Personal Corner, he’s making an effort to clarify who he his and what he aims to accomplish.
Per immutable.com, “Personal Corner was founded on the idea that athletes should take charge of their personal brands… Bryant, an avid gamer and firm believer in technology, built Personal Corner to assist both athletes and influencers in crossing their personal brands over to the digital realm (metaverse).”
However, the passion in Dez Bryant’s voice when he spoke during a Twitter Space last week suggests that he wants to work on something bigger than technology development.
THE GOOD
Last Monday, Personal Corner hosted a Twitter Space during which panelists spent a good amount of time discussing the perception that running backs are being devalued by NFL teams.
That topic led to conversations about everything from rookie contracts to realistic assessments of players’ abilities to negotiate and advocate for themselves.
Near the end of the Space, Dez responded to questions from Twitter users in attendance. He was asked about obstacles he faced when he tried to advocate for himself as a player.
The response he delivered revealed a lot about why and how his career ended as well as why he’s as vocal as he is now. Watch this video for the full exchange.
DEZ’S SACRIFICE
One of the most impactful comments Bryant made was when he suggested that the end of his career as a player was a conscious decision he made so that he could focus on helping other players.
“I’ve been preaching this stuff,” he said referring to his advocacy for player empowerment and better understanding of the business side of professional football.
Bryant continued, “It’s just that the high performance overshadowed the things that I truly cared about, you know? So when I had got cut, I had opportunities to go play football, but I had to make a sacrifice.”
As he went on, Dez explained that some players get a bad rap because of their background. He also suggested that a lot of athletes who play by the rules are ultimately taken advantage of.
Dez later added, “After I got cut, I [was] like, ‘F*** this s***.’ I want to stand up for something. I’m going to stand up for something.”
He did not mention specific plans or expound upon what he and Personal Corner have in development.
However, it’s clear that Dez Bryant is dedicated to creating opportunities for NFL players and ensuring that business negotiations work out in their favor as much and as often as possible.
THE BAD
On the flip side, some are not fans of Dez Bryant’s approach regardless of his intentions.
Earlier in that same Twitter Space, Bryant discussed Trevon Diggs’s contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys.
Bryant said that he’s been talking to Diggs about the situation and advised him not to compromise.
He said, “I’ll say this, [Diggs] is not trying to knock [the Dallas Cowboys] across the head. I will say that. And I will say they’re not trying to be fair to him.”
There are some who believe that Bryant speaking out on Diggs’s behalf will ultimately hurt Diggs’s chances of getting what he wants during negotiations.
DEZ’S REPUTATION
Since leaving the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant has been mentioned as a factor in various contentious states of affairs on practically an annual basis.
There’s also the fact that Dez’s “fiery” personality was noted by several sources as the reason for his dismissal from the Dallas Cowboys.
They said he was too emotional. They said he was a distraction. His “outbursts” were a turn-off.
This may be why some Dallas Cowboys fans assume that his involvement with any player’s dealings will lead to negative outcomes.
Of note, however, is the fact that, for all the times Dez Bryant’s name was brought up over the past five to seven years or so, it was due more to rumors and hearsay than actual events or tangible consequences.
Bryant said himself that he had to battle politics and perceptions of his background for his entire career. Perhaps some of those factors are still at play.
Only time will tell how Trevon Diggs’s contract negotiations will play out.
As it does, we’ll learn more about the impact of Dez’s words and his relationship with Diggs.
What we learn may guide the conversation surrounding Dez’s ability to effectively empower players and “give the game” as he says.
THE HONEST
Whether or not you approve of Dez’s approach, the motivation behind his work is legitimate.
He spoke, not just based on observation, but from experience.
And for added clarity, Bryant posted an open letter to athletes via Twitter.
The contents of his “Dear Athlete” post reveal a sincere longing to see athletes build brands, change narratives, and create “something amazing” with the money, connections, status, and resources they acquire via their careers.
Dear Athlete,
Dez Bryant
X 💎 🌹 pic.twitter.com/PozJy1RTm2
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 19, 2023
The current “running back situation” is only the most recent circumstance where NFL players have found themselves in a seemingly unfair situation but at a loss for acceptable solutions.
It seems that the NFLPA can only do so much. This is evident from the outcomes of previously filed grievances and attempts to negotiate the collective bargaining agreement.
So, Dez is likely correct about the need for more player education and cooperation. He may also have a point about the potential benefits of player support from an organization besides the NFLPA.
And even if Dez Bryant is not the right man for the job, perhaps he can inspire the person who is.