Dallas Cowboys: Why isn’t Dez Bryant a team captain?
When voting for their 2017 team captains, the Dallas Cowboys players overlooked their most passionate and vocal leader, wide receiver Dez Bryant.
Dallas Cowboys fans. Finally, it’s nearly time for the NFL to ask the greatest rhetorical question ever – Are you ready for some football? That’s like asking: Is Enzo Amore a certified G and an bona fide stud? Is Bobby Roode glorious? Of course the answer is a Daniel Bryan style – Yes!! Plus if you caught the WWE wrestling references without the use of Google, then you get two bonus points. How ya doin?
With the NFL season preparing to start, for many of us it also brings the start of Fantasy Football. That means I have to thank all of the people in the fantasy universe that allowed the members of Cowboy Nation to select running back Ezekiel Elliott in the third round or later.
If Elliott was suspended 15 games, he should still be selected in the top three rounds of any fantasy draft. That is a sign of appreciation and respect to Zeke’s skill and athleticism on the field.
However, there is also an unheralded leader that was overlooked when the Cowboys voted for team captains recently.
This guy has evolved, matured and makes the most of his opportunities when on the field. He is easily one of the top players in the NFL at his position. He is wearing and respecting one of the most iconic numbers in Cowboys history.
He has publicly stated that he wants to be a Cowboy for life. He caught his first touchdown pass from the iconic quarterback Tony Romo in 2010. While his leadership style isn’t quiet and subtle like linebacker Sean Lee or everyone’s favorite tight end and future Hall of Famer Jason Witten, it’s effective and motivates the offensive, defensive and special teams units.
If you haven’t guessed it by now, I’m talking about wide receiver Dezmond Demond Bryant aka Dez Bryant. The 2017 NFL season is Bryant’s eighth as a professional and they have all been with the Cowboys. Even with quarterback Dak Prescott mostly handing the ball to Elliott or connecting with Witten and his slot receiver Cole Beasley last season, Bryant is still a factor when the ball heads his way.
When asked about former safety Barry Church being voted captain in 2014, head coach Jason Garrett told DallasCowboys.com:
"“Guys gravitate towards [Church], just the way he goes about his business, how he plays, and it’s a well-deserved honor for him.”"
How does that not apply to Bryant? He brings max effort to practices. He isn’t getting arrested for DUI’s. He isn’t getting recorded while drinking in nightclubs during the season. He isn’t getting suspended. Dez has proven himself to be worthy of such a honor in recent years, on and off-the-field.
Receiving the captain designation this year are linebacker Sean Lee, cornerback Orlando Scandrick, defensive end Tyrone Crawford, quarterback Dak Prescott, tight end Jason Witten and kicker Dan Bailey.
Next: Six Cowboys who have the most to prove this season
I’m not big on saying that things are deserved, but I will agree that Dez Bryant has earned the chance to have the captain’s “C” on his chest. Too bad his teammates don’t feel the same.
#GoCowboys