DC: Despite Contract Unresolved, Dez A Surprise Spectator At Final Minicamp Practice

[jobberone]

Despite Contract Unresolved, Dez A Surprise Spectator At Final Minicamp Practice
Thursday, June 18, 2015 11:33 AM CDT

By Rob Phillips @robphillips3

ARLINGTON, Texas – Dez Bryant’s still without a contract resolution, but he was a surprise spectator Thursday at the Cowboys’ final minicamp practice at AT&T Stadium.

A week after reports surfaced that Bryant might consider sitting out the regular-season opener if he doesn’t sign a long-term contract before the July 15 negotiating deadline – and a day after Bryant took to Twitter to reiterate his desire for long-term financial security – the All-Pro receiver rejoined his teammates to watch practice.

Before practice, Bryant was seen in the stands watching a video on the giant board with his teammates in a black T-shirt and shorts. He also spent a few minutes chatting with quarterbackTony Romo just before drills began, and roamed on and around the field during individual drills.

“Great to have him here,” Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said before practice. “Dez obviously hasn’t signed his franchise deal yet, so he’s not practicing. He’s dropped in really throughout the offseason program. Dez is a special guy. He’s obviously a heck of a football player, obviously very important to our football team.

“His approach is really well respected by anybody on our team, the guys he goes against. He’s got a great passion for the game and it’s great to have him here.”

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...ez-surprise-spectator-final-minicamp-practice

 

[jobberone]

• Dez Bryant visits practice; Jason Garrett says 'great to have him here'
  
  Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:13105592 I cannot embed video.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant made a surprise visit to the final day of the team's minicamp held at AT&T Stadium, but he is not practicing.

Bryant sat with his teammates in the stands as coach Jason Garrett addressed the team and a video played on the center-hung scoreboard. As players warmed up, Bryant played a quick game of catch with Cole Beasley and spent a quick moment talking with Tony Romo.

"I know Dez. I know his mindset. I know his mentality. I know he's working hard and hopefully we can get the business stuff resolved and he'll get back to playing football."

During practice, Bryant remained mostly on the sideline.

"It's great to have him here. Dez obviously hasn't signed his franchise deal yet, so he's not practicing," Garrett said. "He's dropped in really throughout the offseason program. Dez is a special guy. He's obviously a heck of a football player, obviously very important to our football team. His approach is really well respected by anybody on our team, the guys he goes against. He's got a great passion for the game, and it's great to have him here."

Over the course of the last week, there have been reports about Bryant's willingness to miss regular-season games if he does not have a long-term deal before July 15. The Cowboys do not believe the threat is serious, in part because the move would cost Bryant roughly $754,000 per week.

Garrett was vague when asked if he requested Bryant to show up for the final day of minicamp, which will conclude with players' families taking part in an event after practice.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story...-makes-surprise-visit-dallas-cowboys-practice

 

[Frozen700]

This is why you pay the man. Hopefully everybody realizes you don't just pay a player like Dez because of talent. It's the rest of the things he brings, like heart, soul, leadership, and passion. That we have not had since Roy Williams in his prime.

 

[jobberone]

I see a lot of Irvin in the guy.

 

[Frozen700]

I see a lot of Irvin in the guy.

Agreed. I really feel like that is something you can't replace easily.