Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers' Rooney hopes Martavis Bryant learned his lesson from suspension

Published Jan. 29, 2016 2:19 a.m. ET

foxsports

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant says he learned a lot this season. Team president Art Rooney II hopes Bryant learned to eliminate his issues off the field.

After hauling in eight touchdown catches in 10 games as a rookie, big expectations for Bryant's second season were derailed by a positive drug test and a four-game suspension. Bryant, who was also challenged to step up his game at the end of the regular season by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, told Steelers.com that he learned a lot from the adversity via Steelers Depot.

"It was rocky. It was a rough start. I would say I learned a lot, got better and matured.

"I would say I learned how to keep myself motivated and just stay consistent."

Bryant finished the season on a high note with 194 total scrimmage yards in Pittsburgh's playoff loss in Denver. He recorded 50 receptions for 765 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season as his average yards per catch fell nearly six yards from 2014.

Rooney believes the sky is the limit for Bryant, as long as he is able to stay out of trouble.

"Martavis is a player who has tremendous ability and potential. We have to continue to work with him to make sure he takes care of his business off the field and put himself in position to be as great a player he can be. He is one of those guys where the sky is the limit.

"I hope the experience he had earlier in the season had an impact on him, but it is one of those things that only time will tell."