Martavis Bryant: 'Exactly What Dallas Cowboys Need!' Michael Irvin Claims
Martavis Bryant recently joined the Dallas Cowboys' practice roster on Tuesday following a five-year suspension from the NFL, and for most observers, the logical conclusion is that this is a long-shot chance for Bryant, who turns 32, and for the Cowboys, who are obliged to search everywhere for talent.
But former Cowboys receiver and now TV commentator Michael Irvin thinks the acquisition is much, much more than that.
"Do I believe he can help the Dallas Cowboys?" Irvin said on FS1. "Man, absolutely. Did you see how tall he looks just standing up to that locker?"
Bryant has opened up to the media regarding the "dark places and times" he has been through during his five years separated from the league due to substance abuse suspensions. However, he made sure to note that he defeated those obstacles in his life - "demons,'' he called them - and is grateful to be where he is.
Irvin thinks that Bryant's battles with adversity will add more to the Cowboys roster than just his athleticism.
"Go find players, not just with great skill, but get me some with the deepest wheels," Irvin said. "And what Martavis has been through deepens his wheels. He'll come on this team, fresh with this opportunity and he'll work hard, he'll play hard. There's no doubt in my mind he'll be something that the Dallas Cowboys can use. That kind of speed, that like of size on the outside, that's exactly what they need."
Is Irvin being a "homer'' here? A "booster'' of the Cowboys? Maybe. But we also wonder if he's simply being a "booster'' of a person in Bryant who put in the work to create opportunities for himself ... and if his rather hyperbolic review here is at least in part wants to make sure Bryant knows how supportive he is of Martavis' life turnaround.
And indeed, Irvin mentioned exactly that, saying, "I wanted to make sure I said how proud I am of him and how proud we all are of him for doing the work that he has to do.''
