Jerry Jones had some kind words to say about his former receiver Dez Bryant ahead of Tuesday’s game between the Cowboys and Ravens.
The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are meeting up for the new 2020 staple known as Tuesday Night Football. This also means Dez Bryant will go up against his old team for the first time since departing in 2018.
Bryant was ultimately released after eight years with the team. He made three Pro Bowls and was a top target for Tony Romo throughout his time in Dallas. Now the veteran receiver is with the Ravens and has a chance to send the Cowboys spiraling toward the top of the 2021 NFL Draft. Essentially, a great game from Dez helps his old team in the long-term.
Bryant was a big personality in Dallas and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones provided fans with a great quote on his lasting feeling for the receiver.
Jerry Jones on Dez Bryant: “He was a joy for me. He was a pain in the ass, but he was a joy.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 8, 2020
Jones still appreciates Dez
Bryant was a first-round pick by the Cowboys in 2010 and was a 1,000-yard receiver by 2012. Being the top receiver on America’s most popular team put him in the spotlight. He also received a nice five-year extension in 2015 so he was taken care of by Jones.
Parting with Bryant allowed a new core of receiving talent to take hold in Dallas. Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup form a solid trio and help make the offense flow when the quarterback situation is normal with Dak Prescott under center.
Jones is certainly feeling some nostalgia during a brutal 3-8 season where the best possible outcome is landing a top-5 pick in the 2021 draft. But moving on from Bryant was the right move and Jones can turn his focus toward 2021 when he can add a nice young prospect and also get some normalcy back at the quarterback position.
Tonight’s game is in Baltimore, but expect Bryant to taunt his former team is given the opportunity.