TMZ caught Dez Bryant in a rather chatty mood Friday in Los Angeles, asking the former Cowboys and Ravens receiver his preferred landing spot in free agency (he wants to join DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt in Arizona) and whether he deserves Hall-of-Fame consideration. Bryant, who was largely unproductive during his eight-game stint with Baltimore this past season (6-47-2 on 13 combined regular and postseason targets), didn’t hesitate when asked if he belongs in Canton. “Of course,” said Bryant matter-of-factly. “Nobody put up TDs the way I put up. Not as fast.”
The 32-year-old, who apparently has a photographic memory when it comes to his stats, corrected a paparazzi who shortchanged his career tally by two touchdowns. “Seventy-seven,” said Bryant. “Don’t forget my punt returns. I had two punt returns my rookie year.”
Bryant hedged somewhat later in the interview, acknowledging he may not be first-ballot material. “I won’t say first ballot,” conceded the three-time Pro Bowler. “If not a Hall-of-Famer, close. Close to it.”
Former Bills and Eagles workhorse LeSean McCoy gave a similarly emphatic response when asked about his Hall-of-Fame prospects earlier this month, touting himself as “the best running back of my decade.” While McCoy at least has a chance to be inducted someday, Dez is probably a long shot for Canton. A spot in the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor seems like a much more realistic possibility for Bryant, whose 73 receiving scores are the most in franchise history. The 2010 first-rounder also ranks third in catches (531) and fifth in receiving yards with 7,459.
Bryant would have a chance to add to those totals if he signs with Dallas this offseason and while that’s not the most likely outcome, Dez isn’t ready to rule it out just yet.
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