Dallas Cowboys

Spelling bee champion visits Cowboys practice, hangs out with Dez Bryant

Published Jun. 15, 2016 2:04 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Right after being crowned co-champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee last month, 11-year-old Nihar Janga threw up the "X," just as his favorite player, Dez Bryant, does following each touchdown he scores. Janga's celebration set Twitter on fire, and even reached the man himself, who congratulated the youngster on the win.

#NiharJanga you just made my whole day buddy.. Congrats on winning the #spellingbee champ.. Some how some way I have to get you to a game #x
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) May 27, 2016

Bryant told Janga he would get him to a game somehow, but on Wednesday, the spelling bee champ experienced something that most would consider to be better than sitting in the stands. He hung out with the team at practice and even held his own presser alongside head coach Jason Garrett.

Throwing up the X pic.twitter.com/WqNU0l8S4j
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2016

Garrett issued Janga a friendly challenge with his idol.

"Here's the deal, you have to guard him (Dez) and he has to spell a word for you." - Jason Garrett to Nihar Janga pic.twitter.com/jUq3X9EpFR
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) June 15, 2016

After making his way out to the practice field with Bryant, Janga threw up the "X" once more -- this time with No. 88 beside him.

"This is the champ right here" ... "He makes me want to work hard" Dez Bryant on spelling bee champ Nihar Janga pic.twitter.com/FdYPpoAdD9
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) June 15, 2016

Spelling Bee champ Nihar Janga throwing up the X with cowboys receiver Dez Bryant pic.twitter.com/wAkjhGygAZ
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) June 15, 2016

It's pretty safe to say that Janga had a pretty fantastic day at the team's headquarters, highlighted by the chance to hang out with his idol, Bryant. It doesn't get much better than that for an 11-year-old spelling bee champion.