Dez Bryant admits foot injury played with his mind

After failing to produce similar numbers to his previous Pro Bowl season, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant admits an early foot injury played with his mind.

The Dallas Cowboys house some of the most talented players in the NFL on their roster. At the top of that list is All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant. The 27-year old phenom was expected to stake his claim as the league’s top wide recevier last season, following an impressive 2014 where he recorded 88 catches for 1,320 yards and a NFL-leading 16 touchdown receptions. It was also the first season Bryant was named to the Pro Bowl.

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But 2015 was marred by injuries. mainly to both Bryant and the Cowboys starting quarterback, Tony Romo. The talented recevier, who signed a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract in July, was hobbled in Week One against the New York Giants. X-rays would later reveal Bryant had suffered a Jones Fracture. He broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and it soon required surgery.

In all, Bryant would be sidelined for five games, returning in Week Eight to face the Seattle Seahawks. But the player that returned seemed diminished and played with a sense of hesitancy. Earlier this week, Bryant explained why.

"“Well, when 100 percent healthy, I know I’m coming down with [a jump ball],” Bryant told the SportsDayDFW.com. “I tell you that. The majority of the time I’m 100 percent healthy, but dealing with the injuries last year, like I said, too much thinking, too much thinking … at the beginning of the route, within the route and at the end of the route. It just kind of plays with your mind a little bit when you’re dealing with an injury.”"

Many believed Bryant returned too early from his Jones Fracture injury, having to have an additional surgery to the same foot at season’s end. The Pro Bowl wide out had similar thoughts at the time, but knew the team needed him.

"“After I broke my foot and tried to come back, I knew I wasn’t [right],” Bryant told the Star-Telegram. “But at the same time, I knew what was at stake. I thought I could potentially perform at a high level despite dealing with this foot. It turned out very unfortunate.”"

Bryant recorded just 31 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns in nine games in 2015. He also mentioned the fact that not having a full offseason workout program likely contributed to his poor season. Bryant held out during a portion of last offseason workouts while negotiating his new contract. The 27-year old recevier said he is extremely hungry to play football again. Watch out league.

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