History of Dez Bryant in Timeline
Desmond Bryant is a retired American football wide receiver best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys. Playing college football for Oklahoma State, he achieved All-American status in 2008. His professional career highlights include being a first-round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2010, earning three Pro Bowl selections, and receiving All-Pro honors in 2014.
1961: Franklin Clarke's Touchdown Streak
In 1961, Franklin Clarke set a Dallas Cowboys franchise record by scoring a touchdown in seven consecutive games.
1962: Franklin Clarke's Touchdown Streak
Franklin Clarke's record-setting streak of touchdown receptions in consecutive games continued into 1962.
1965: Bob Hayes's Touchdown Streak
Bob Hayes tied Franklin Clarke's franchise record by scoring a touchdown in seven consecutive games in 1965.
1966: Bob Hayes's Touchdown Streak
Bob Hayes's record-setting streak of touchdown receptions in consecutive games continued into 1966.
1974: Record-Breaking Punt Return
On October 25, 2010, Dez Bryant's 93-yard punt return touchdown was the longest for the Cowboys since Dennis Morgan achieved a 98-yard return in 1974.
November 4, 1988: Birth of Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant was born on November 4, 1988.
1988: Youngest Cowboys Receiver with Three Touchdowns
Dez Bryant became the youngest Dallas Cowboys wide receiver to score three touchdowns in a single game, surpassing a record previously held by Michael Irvin since 1988.
1993: Multiple Punt Return Touchdowns
Dez Bryant became the first Cowboys rookie since Kevin Williams in 1993 to have multiple punt return touchdowns in a single season.
2002: First 100+ Yard Game Since Antonio Bryant
On November 15, 2010, Dez Bryant's 104 receiving yards marked the first time a Cowboys rookie had a 100+ yard game since Antonio Bryant achieved the feat in 2002.
January 29, 2007: Commitment to Oklahoma State
On January 29, 2007, Dez Bryant, a highly sought-after football recruit, committed to playing for Oklahoma State University after considering several other prominent programs.
2007: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Dez Bryant began his college football career at Oklahoma State University, playing for the Cowboys under coach Mike Gundy from 2007 to 2009.
2007: Terrell Owens Ties Touchdown Record
In 2007, Terrell Owens tied the Dallas Cowboys' franchise record by scoring a touchdown in seven consecutive games.
2007: Freshman Season at Oklahoma State
In 2007, during his freshman year at Oklahoma State, Dez Bryant made a significant impact on the football field, showcasing his talent as a wide receiver with impressive performances throughout the season.
2008: College Football Success
Dez Bryant achieved All-American honors while playing college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2008.
2008: Successful Season at Oklahoma State
In 2008, Dez Bryant had a standout year playing for Oklahoma State, delivering remarkable performances and setting records in multiple games. His exceptional skills as a wide receiver were evident in his impressive statistics and key contributions to the team's victories.
November 5, 2009: Declaration for the NFL Draft
On November 5, 2009, Dez Bryant publicly announced his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was widely projected as a top wide receiver prospect.
2009: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Dez Bryant began his college football career at Oklahoma State University, playing for the Cowboys under coach Mike Gundy from 2007 to 2009.
2009: NCAA Suspension
In 2009, Dez Bryant's promising college football career hit a roadblock when he was ruled ineligible for the rest of the season due to an NCAA bylaw violation. The suspension stemmed from his failure to fully disclose his interactions with former NFL player Deion Sanders, which was a significant setback during a year when he was considered a top prospect for the Heisman Trophy.
2009: Cowboys' Playoff Victory Marred by Controversy
In 2009, the Dallas Cowboys secured a playoff win against the Detroit Lions. However, the victory was overshadowed by a controversial officiating decision that negated a pass interference call, impacting the outcome.
July 22, 2010: Signing with the Cowboys
On July 22, 2010, Dez Bryant officially signed a contract with the Dallas Cowboys, solidifying his place in the NFL and setting the stage for his professional career.
July 23, 2010: Iconic Number 88
On July 23, 2010, it was announced that Dez Bryant would don the legendary number 88 jersey for the Dallas Cowboys, a number previously worn by Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Drew Pearson, adding to the weight of expectations on the young receiver's shoulders.
October 25, 2010: Breakout Game Against the Giants
On October 25, 2010, in a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants, Dez Bryant delivered a breakout performance, showcasing his explosiveness and playmaking abilities. He scored three touchdowns, including a 93-yard punt return, etching his name in Cowboys' history by becoming the youngest receiver in franchise history to achieve this feat.
2010: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
Despite concerns about his character, Dez Bryant's talent couldn't be ignored, and the Dallas Cowboys traded up to secure him with the 24th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. This move demonstrated the Cowboys' belief in his potential and their willingness to take a chance on a player who could become a game-changer.
2010: NFL Draft and Debut
Dez Bryant was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.
2010: NFL All-Rookie Team
Following his impressive rookie season, Dez Bryant was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team for 2010, a testament to his impact and potential.
March 2011: Lawsuit and Settlement
In March 2011, Dez Bryant faced a lawsuit concerning legal fees and jewelry purchases made during his time as a student athlete. The matter was settled outside of court.
2011: Solid Performance in 2011
Dez Bryant continued to be a valuable asset for the Cowboys in the 2011 season, recording 63 receptions, 928 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, solidifying his position as a key player in the team's offense.
July 16, 2012: Arrest and Domestic Violence Charge
Dez Bryant was arrested on July 16, 2012, on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge related to an alleged incident with his mother.
2012: Bryant Ties Touchdown Record, Sets Multiple Touchdown Game Record
Dez Bryant had a standout year in 2012, tying the Cowboys' franchise record for consecutive games with a touchdown reception and setting a new record for the most games with multiple touchdown receptions in a single season.
March 2013: Speaking Out Against Domestic Abuse
In a positive step, Dez Bryant participated in an event for Dallas Men Against Abuse in March 2013, publicly denouncing domestic violence.
2013: Bryant Battles Injuries, Earns Recognition
Despite battling injuries in the latter half of the 2013 season, Dez Bryant showcased his toughness and commitment. He played through a finger injury and was recognized for his performance by being ranked 35th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
August 28, 2014: Launch of ThrowUpTheX Brand
On August 28, 2014, Dez Bryant ventured into the world of fashion and branding by launching his official apparel line, ThrowUpTheX.
2014: Bryant Achieves Career Highs, Earns Pro Bowl Selection
Dez Bryant had a career year in 2014, setting personal bests in both catches (93) and touchdowns (13), leading to his first Pro Bowl selection. He was ranked 25th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
2014: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Recognition
Dez Bryant's performance on the field earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl and he was named an All-Pro in 2014.
2014: Bryant's Production Soars Upon Romo's Return
In 2014, Dez Bryant's on-field production saw a significant boost upon the return of quarterback Tony Romo from injury. His performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 15.
March 3, 2015: Cowboys Franchise Tag Bryant
On March 3, 2015, the Dallas Cowboys placed their nonexclusive franchise tag on Dez Bryant, demonstrating their desire to retain the star wide receiver.
July 15, 2015: Bryant Signs Lucrative Contract Extension
On July 15, 2015, Dez Bryant secured his future with the Dallas Cowboys by signing a five-year contract extension worth $70 million. The deal included a substantial $45 million guaranteed, signifying his value to the team.
2015: Injury-Plagued Season
Dez Bryant's 2015 season was significantly hampered by a foot injury sustained in the season opener, limiting him to nine games. He underwent surgeries in the offseason to address the issue.
2015: Controversial Call Overturns Bryant Catch
In 2015, during a playoff match against the Green Bay Packers, Dez Bryant was involved in a controversial moment where a seemingly completed catch was overturned. The incident sparked debate and highlighted the intricacies of NFL rules.
January 6, 2016: Foot and Ankle Surgeries
On January 6, 2016, Dez Bryant underwent surgeries for his foot and ankle after a challenging season marked by injuries.
June 22, 2016: Lawsuit for Property Damage
On June 22, 2016, Dez Bryant faced a lawsuit from Texas state senator Royce West, alleging property damage to a rental house. The lawsuit highlighted alleged damages exceeding $60,000.
2016: Playing Through Injuries
Despite a new starting quarterback and a knee fracture that caused him to miss several games, Dez Bryant remained a key player for the Cowboys in 2016.
2017: Return to the End Zone
After a period of setbacks and recovery, Dez Bryant celebrated a triumphant return to the end zone in 2017, marking a significant milestone in his football journey.
2017: Strong Start, Ankle Sprain
Dez Bryant began the 2017 season with a series of touchdown receptions, demonstrating his scoring prowess. However, an ankle sprain sustained mid-season briefly sidelined him.
2017: Pro Bowl Selection and Playoff Performance
Dez Bryant earned his third Pro Bowl selection in 2017, showcasing his talent with a standout performance in the Divisional Round game against the Green Bay Packers.
2017: Franchise Record for Receiving Touchdowns
In a memorable moment during the 2017 season, Dez Bryant surpassed Bob Hayes to claim the Cowboys' franchise record for receiving touchdowns, cementing his legacy within the team.
April 13, 2018: Released by the Dallas Cowboys
On April 13, 2018, after eight seasons with the team, Dez Bryant was released by the Dallas Cowboys.
November 7, 2018: Signing with the New Orleans Saints and Season-Ending Injury
After becoming a free agent, Dez Bryant signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on November 7, 2018. Sadly, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during practice shortly after, ending his season before he could play a game with the team.
October 2019: Rehabilitation and Desire to Return
In October 2019, Dez Bryant shared his dedication to rehabilitation and training, expressing his strong desire to return to professional football. Despite his efforts, he did not sign with a team during the 2019 season.
October 27, 2020: Signing with the Baltimore Ravens Practice Squad
On October 27, 2020, Dez Bryant's determination to return to the NFL was rewarded when he was signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.
December 10, 2020: Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List
Dez Bryant's return to the field was temporarily halted when he tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before a game against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, on December 10, 2020.
2020: Endorsement of Kanye West's Presidential Campaign
During the 2020 United States presidential election, Dez Bryant publicly expressed his support for Kanye West's campaign on Twitter.
