Dez Bryant responds to Terrell Owens’ request to Dallas Cowboys
The comeback bug appears to be spreading rapidly across the retired player ranks as the NFL season moves toward the playoffs. Following Terrell Owens‘ recent overtures to the Dallas Cowboys, among other teams, another former Dallas Cowboys receiver wants in on the action. Dez Bryant, now 34, compared to Owens at 49, tweeted about his “serious” interest in joining a playoff team on Wednesday night.
“If T.O coming back… sign me up to a playoff team… seriously! LFG,” the former Cowboys No. 88 tweeted with a rocketship emoji.
Former NFL stars like Rob Gronkowski and former L.A. Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth also hinted this week at a potential return for postseason play. Gronkowski said he was “kinda bored,” but later denied wanting to join a team before the end of the season.
“I don’t really have the itch to go back,” the former tight end said on the Up&Adams Show. “I mean if I did, I’m sure I would’ve (come) back already instead of Week 17.”
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, several teams reached out to Gronkowski’s people to gauge his interest in a return for 2023.
As for Dez Bryant, his last recorded reception in the NFL was for the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. Prior to that, he hadn’t played in a game since 2017 due to a torn Achilles that took him out for the Saints in 2018 and forced him to rehab through 2019.
As a Cowboy, Bryant had 531 catches for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns receptions while making 99 starts from 2010 to 2017.
Owens contacts Jerry Jones about potential reunion
Owens’ agent confirmed this week that the five-time All-Pro even called Jerry Jones to discuss a potential reunion.
“We’ve been in constant communication with Jerry Jones’ office over the last few days about the possibility of him returning to the Cowboys,” Owens’ agent Gregory D.L. Daniel told NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. “Terrell is ready to contribute and play any role, big or small. He’s in outstanding shape. He looks no different than he did years ago. I watched him running routes full-speed with DeSean (Jackson) and he looked great. He didn’t drop a pass.
“He most recently ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, which was his warm-up. He’s a legend. We want to make history and see him break these records. If anybody can do it, it’s him. His three Ds are desire, dedication and discipline. He embodies that every day, even running hills at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning.”
Owens’ quest to become the oldest player to start an NFL game at 49 caught some traction in San Francisco earlier this month, but didn’t amount to a signing. In 2011, he finished his NFL career with 1,078 receptions, 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns. During his time with the Cowboys, he totaled 325 receptions, 3,587 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns in 47 games played.
According to NFL Network reporter Jane Slater, Cowboys sources believe a reunion between Owens and the team is a longshot.