Dez Bryant's physique that looks like it was carved out of a mountain, to borrow a phrase from Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, is being pushed to its limits this offseason.
“I am in the best shape that I’ve ever been,” Bryant said.
Bryant made that proclamation as he drove from Oklahoma City, where he watched a classic Game 5 of the Clippers-Thunder playoff series, to Valley Ranch for a workout. The Cowboys’ Pro Bowl receiver has done some traveling this offseason, making trips to New York and Los Angeles, but never cut corners on his workout program.
“Trust me, I’ve been working hard,” Bryant said. “I’ve been working six days out of the week. Today is my off day, but I’m going to the facility right now. That’s all I’ve been doing. This year is special.”
Bryant, who set career highs with 93 catches and 13 touchdowns last season while gaining 1,233 yards, believes he’s on the verge of a big season. That wouldn’t surprise anyone.
But Bryant does make a bold prediction that linebacker Orie Lemon, his workout partner, will make an impact for the Cowboys this season. Lemon, who played with Bryant at Oklahoma State, has been fighting for a roster spot since the Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He has spent time on the practice squads of the Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals and played eight games for the Cowboys over the past two seasons, getting credited for five tackles.
“He’s going to be a real sleeper,” Bryant said. “He’s been working so hard. He’s going to come out of nowhere and surprise a lot of people.”