Dez Bryant, a retired American football wide receiver, had an impressive career in the National Football League (NFL) and amassed a significant net worth. In this article, we will delve into Bryant’s career earnings, examine his lucrative NFL contracts, and provide an overview of his early life and collegiate career. We will also explore his time with the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Baltimore Ravens, along with the legal troubles he faced throughout his career. Lastly, we will touch upon Bryant’s personal life and highlight his career earnings and current net worth.
Key Takeaways:
- Dez Bryant, a retired NFL wide receiver, has a net worth of $16 million.
- Throughout his NFL career, Bryant earned approximately $54 million in career earnings.
- He signed a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2015.
- Bryant’s career includes stints with the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens.
- Despite legal troubles, Bryant remains a well-known figure in the world of professional football.
Contracts
Dez Bryant’s NFL career has been marked by various contracts with different teams.
In 2015, Bryant signed a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. This contract included an impressive $45 million in guaranteed money. As one of the top receivers in the league, Bryant’s contract with the Cowboys reflected his exceptional talent and value to the team.
However, after his release from the Cowboys in 2018, Bryant had to find a new team to continue his football career. He then joined the New Orleans Saints on a one-year contract. Unfortunately, his time with the Saints was cut short when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in his first game. Despite the setback, Bryant’s contract with the Saints showcased the team’s belief in his abilities and potential impact on the field.
In 2020, Bryant found a new opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens. Initially, he joined the Ravens as part of the practice squad, but his performance and dedication led to him signing a one-year contract with the team. This contract allowed Bryant to showcase his skills once again and contribute to the Ravens’ offensive efforts.
Career Contracts Overview
| Team | Contract Details |
|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Five-year, $70 million contract |
| New Orleans Saints | One-year contract |
| Baltimore Ravens | One-year contract |
Early Life and High School
Dez Bryant had a challenging upbringing that shaped his early life and fueled his passion for football. He was born on November 4, 1988, in Galveston County, Texas. However, his childhood was marked by adversity when his mother, Angela, was arrested for dealing crack cocaine when he was only eight years old.
Despite these difficult circumstances, Bryant found solace and purpose in the game of football. From a young age, he displayed immense talent and a strong work ethic that would carry him through his career.
During his high school years, Bryant attended Lufkin High School, a renowned football program in Lufkin, Texas. He quickly became a standout player on the team, leading them to a remarkable 14-1 record during his junior year.
In his senior year, Bryant’s exceptional skills and performance on the field earned him recognition as an All-State selection. It was during his time at Lufkin High School that he began attracting attention from college recruiters and solidifying his path towards a successful football career.
Dez Bryant’s early life and experiences in Lufkin High School laid the foundation for his future achievements in football, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and excel on and off the field.
Dez Bryant’s Accomplishments at Lufkin High School:
| Year | Football Achievements |
|---|---|
| Junior Year | Leading the team to a 14-1 record |
| Senior Year | Named All-State selection |
Collegiate Career
Dez Bryant’s college career at Oklahoma State University was marked by exceptional performances that showcased his talent and solidified his reputation as a standout wide receiver.
As a freshman, Bryant made an immediate impact on the field, finishing the season with 43 receptions for 622 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His skills and athleticism were evident, setting the stage for what was to come.
However, it was in his sophomore year that Dez Bryant truly shone. He recorded an impressive 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning him well-deserved recognition as an All-American player.
Unfortunately, Bryant’s collegiate career was not without its challenges. During the 2009 season, he was ruled ineligible for violating an NCAA bylaw. Despite this setback, his earlier accomplishments and undeniable talent still spoke volumes about his potential.
Dez Bryant’s college career at Oklahoma State University laid the foundation for his future success in the NFL. It showcased his remarkable skills and positioned him as one of the top wide receiver prospects of his class.
Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys began in 2010 when he was selected by the team in the NFL Draft. From the start, Bryant showcased his talent, proving to be a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ offense. As a rookie, he made an immediate impact, contributing to the team’s success. Throughout his time with the Cowboys, Bryant consistently displayed his skills on the field and earned recognition for his exceptional performance.
One of the highlights of Dez Bryant’s Dallas Cowboys career was his three Pro Bowl selections. These accolades are a testament to his abilities and the respect he garnered from both fans and fellow players. Bryant’s Pro Bowl selections solidified his status as one of the top wide receivers in the league during his prime.
In addition to his individual achievements, Bryant also played a crucial role in the team’s success. The Cowboys made multiple playoff appearances while Bryant was on the roster. One notable milestone was reaching the Divisional Round playoffs in 2014 and 2016. These playoff runs showcased Bryant’s impact and his ability to perform under pressure.
Career Highlights: Dallas Cowboys
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Reached the Divisional Round playoffs in 2014 and 2016.
- One of the most productive seasons in 2014 with 88 receptions, 1,320 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 12 | 45 | 561 | 6 |
| 2011 | 15 | 63 | 928 | 9 |
| 2012 | 16 | 92 | 1,382 | 12 |
| 2013 | 16 | 93 | 1,233 | 13 |
| 2014 | 16 | 88 | 1,320 | 16 |
New Orleans Saints
After a successful stint with the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant joined the New Orleans Saints in 2018. Excitement surrounded his addition to the team, as fans eagerly anticipated the impact he would make on the field.
Unfortunately, Bryant’s time with the Saints was cut short due to an Achilles tendon injury. In his very first game with the team, he suffered a season-ending injury that prevented him from showcasing his skills and contributing to the team’s success.
Despite this setback, Bryant remained determined and focused on his recovery. The injury served as a reminder of the physical challenges athletes face and the unpredictable nature of the sport. The road to recovery would be long and arduous, but Bryant remained resilient.
During his time with the New Orleans Saints, Bryant’s passion for the game was evident. Despite his limited tenure with the team, he left a lasting impression on his teammates and fans alike, inspiring them with his strong work ethic and dedication.
Though his time with the Saints was short-lived, Bryant’s impact went beyond the football field. His presence in the locker room and his mentorship of younger players served as a testament to his leadership qualities and his commitment to the sport.
The image above showcases Dez Bryant during his time with the New Orleans Saints. It encapsulates the excitement and anticipation that surrounded his arrival, as well as the unfortunate injury that cut his time with the team short.
Achievements with the New Orleans Saints
While Bryant’s time with the Saints may have been brief, his impact on the team and the football community cannot be overlooked. Despite the injury that prevented him from playing further games, he left a lasting impression with his teammates and fans.
| Season | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 0 |
Baltimore Ravens
Following a year off to recover from his Achilles injury, Dez Bryant joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in 2020. He was later elevated to the team’s active roster, but his season was disrupted when he contracted COVID-19. In his limited playing time, Bryant recorded six receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns.
Legal Trouble
Throughout his career, Dez Bryant encountered legal issues that drew attention and affected his personal and professional life. These instances include a lawsuit for nonpayment of legal fees and jewelry acquired on credit during his time as a student athlete.
However, one of the most notable legal incidents involving Dez Bryant was his arrest on a domestic violence charge. It was alleged that he had hit his own mother, Angela Bryant. This incident brought significant scrutiny and tarnished his reputation both on and off the field.
In addition to the domestic violence charge, Dez Bryant was also sued for allegedly damaging a rental home in DeSoto, Texas. These legal troubles added to the challenges he faced in his career and personal life.
Personal Life
Dez Bryant’s personal life is an important aspect of his story. He has two sons, Dez Jr. and Zayne, who bring joy and fulfillment to his life. Outside of his role as a father, Bryant is in a loving relationship with Ilyne Nash.
Bryant’s commitment to his family is evident in the way he prioritizes spending time with his children and maintaining a healthy relationship with Nash. Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his career, he remains dedicated to building a strong and supportive personal life.
This image captures a heartwarming moment of Bryant with his sons and Nash, showcasing the love and unity within his personal life.
Dez Bryant Career Earnings
Over the course of his NFL journey, Dez Bryant amassed an impressive total of $57,928,618 in career earnings. His financial success is a testament to both his exceptional talent on the field and his marketability off the field.
One of the major highlights of Bryant’s career in terms of earnings was the enormous cash payment he received in 2015. That year, he was rewarded with a staggering $23,000,000, further solidifying his status as one of the highest-earning NFL players.
As a premier wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, Bryant secured lucrative contracts that contributed significantly to his overall earnings. These contracts, along with endorsement deals and other business ventures, propelled his financial growth throughout his career.
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Dallas Cowboys | $4,000,000 |
| 2011 | Dallas Cowboys | $450,000 |
| 2012 | Dallas Cowboys | $3,644,000 |
| 2013 | Dallas Cowboys | $1,780,000 |
| 2014 | Dallas Cowboys | $3,500,000 |
| 2015 | Dallas Cowboys | $23,000,000 |
| 2016 | Dallas Cowboys | $9,000,000 |
| 2018 | New Orleans Saints | $1,750,000 |
| 2020 | Baltimore Ravens | $1,075,618 |
It is worth noting that these figures encompass only the direct earnings from Bryant’s NFL contracts and do not include potential income from endorsements, investments, or other business ventures. The numbers serve as a testament to the financial success Bryant achieved during his time in the NFL.
What is Dez Bryant’s Net Worth?
Dez Bryant, the former American football wide receiver, has amassed a net worth of $16 million. While this figure may not place him among the richest athletes, Bryant’s career earnings and achievements in the NFL solidify his position as a successful professional athlete.
Throughout his career, Bryant earned an impressive sum from his contracts and endorsements. Although his net worth may not reach the astronomical figures of some athletes, it is important to note that net worth encompasses various factors, including investments, assets, and liabilities.
Bryant’s net worth of $16 million reflects both his financial accomplishments and the challenges he faced throughout his career. It is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and ability to overcome obstacles. Despite experiencing setbacks such as injuries and legal issues, Bryant’s net worth demonstrates the financial success he achieved as an athlete.
In addition to his NFL career earnings, Bryant also has various business ventures and is involved in charitable endeavors. These additional ventures contribute to his overall net worth and exemplify his entrepreneurial spirit off the field.
While Dez Bryant may not be the wealthiest athlete, his net worth is a testament to his talent, determination, and the impact he made in the world of professional football.
Conclusion
Dez Bryant had an impressive NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his exceptional skills and earning numerous accolades. He was a key player for the team, making significant contributions both on and off the field. Despite facing setbacks, including injuries and legal issues, Bryant’s impact on the world of professional football remains undeniable.
Throughout his career, Bryant demonstrated his talent and determination, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. He excelled in the sport, with highlights including multiple Pro Bowl selections and a remarkable 2014 season in which he recorded 88 receptions, 1,320 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
While some obstacles may have hindered his journey, Bryant’s net worth and career earnings reflect his remarkable achievements. His success serves as a testimony to his dedication and perseverance, making him a respected figure in the NFL. As he transitions into retirement, Bryant leaves behind a legacy of hard work and passion that will be remembered for years to come.