Making Your Mental Health A Priority: Dez Bryant

Welcome back to another installment of a special in-depth series “Making Your Mental Health a Priority,” as we continue these articles with sports biggest athletes and superstars. If you’re new to my blogs, go back and read the previous content to catch-up. Feel free to comment and share as well. Without further due, let’s get down to business.

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was one of the more exciting players to ever don the star in Dallas. A Texas bred football player whose rise to stardom came with controversy. Dez was one of college football’s elite receivers at Oklahoma State, and a human highlight reel with “what did he just do?” catches. But with amateur athlete status came public criticism of immaturity. 

Talented as Dez was, his college tenure was rocky, and it cost him a chance of a Heisman Trophy nomination. In 2009, he failed to disclose an interaction with NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. A suspension for the season after playing a total of three games. From there, his draft stock had fallen due to character concerns. Typical pre-NFL draft talk from the media who had content for days anytime an athlete made headlines. 

His NFL career started in Dallas, where he wore the revered number eighty-eight. A troubled young man would be in the guidance of Owner/GM Jerry Jones who felt Dez could be the next “88” in Dallas. Along with that, came immaturity issues to a point the media was ready to call it a bad pick. Could playing in Dallas be too big to handle for Dez? The narrative surrounding him was troubling and it came to light in which he confronted his mother. He was arrested on a class A misdemeanor domestic violence charge for striking his mother. All the noise surrounding him made the typical “Cowboys Offseason News” and he knew a change had to be made. Growing up and becoming a man, while building a brand needed a fresh start. 

In the time of which Dez became one of the top receivers in football, more pressure rose in his life. Becoming a father would be his greatest joy as he raved about his newborn daughter during an interview. Despite contract talks, there was some optimism in getting a deal done. How Dez managed to handle all of this is credit to maintaining a positive mindset. But the rough side of being a cap casualty was on the horizon.

Upon his release from Dallas, Dez felt alienated by the front office. Sacrificed so much, gave all he had and escorted out the back door. The mental aspect became known in 2018 and he didn’t hold back. With it making waves, teams were in a limbo as to bring him in for a workout. New Orleans took a gamble, only for Dez to tear his Achilles in his first practice. Another setback and it seemed like the world was against him. No matter how he tried, it felt like a dark cloud lingered from Dallas. 

2020 was one of the more turbulent moments in American history. During which Dez signed with the Baltimore Ravens for a one year deal. It was a sigh of relief, but something didn’t go right with him. Upon the conclusion of the season, Dez became open and vocal about his mental health. With rumors swirling about a potential multi-year deal, he came to his own defense by saying he didn’t turn down this deal. A lot of bad reporting forced Dez to set the record straight. 

As the redundant pattern of “money cures everything,” Dez wasn’t concerned about finances. It became more of having a sense of knowing mental health was more important to him than anything money could buy. This led to him launching Personal Corner, a brand for the athlete by athlete. With all the knowledge he gained from business minded people, this was the center of creating a brand to give athletes knowledge on post-NFL careers. 

Dez Bryant knew his true calling post NFL; helping athletes who may wonder what the next career move is. How he opened about his own struggles on “I Am Athlete,” was emotional and heartbreaking. Being a professional athlete and navigating through all the foolishness which comes with a price. His gift was bigger than football; it was human empathy for current and former athletes. When a man can admit his own struggles, it opens the door for many opportunities. 

Dez is truly at peace with football; having a better connection with the game and upcoming players who’ll need the guidance to navigate through the toughest of times. He’s still a fixture at Dallas Cowboys games and interacting with fans. Rooting for his former team as their biggest fan. Collaborating with content creators and giving them a platform to be heard. Family and business interests keep Dez busy as if he were still playing. Having closure to a successful career, even if the media doesn’t remember the acrobatic catches and torturing secondaries on a weekly basis. What matters is mental health became the biggest win in life for Dez. 

Knowing what he does now creates a much broader outlook for many other young athletes. Trying to achieve greatness can be stressful, it’s how one pursues help in this regard. Dez Bryant is one of one; knowing when to walk away and still have your mental health in one piece. Knowing your worth is more than what money can buy in this world. Money can’t take away internal unhappiness, anxiety, depression; all the mental health issues athletes hide from to avoid being labeled “weak.” If your mind isn’t in a safe place, the body will slowly fall by the wayside. 

The more dialogue we can create on breaking down stigmas of mental health will have as much impact as anything in this universe. Athletes opening, talking about their struggles is very encouraging. Thank you Dez Bryant for breaking the door down and walking through this very tough conversation. Your work is greatly appreciated, and better days are only getting stronger. Continue to lead today’s athletes and give them a platform to use their voices. In closing, always make your mental health a priority. 

Stai tuned.