Dez Bryant: It shouldn’t be a headline that I'm staying out of trouble
IRVING, Texas – Dez Bryant's quiet offseason continued to be a topic of discussion following Tuesday's organized team activities at Valley Ranch.
The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver downplayed the significance of his ability to stay out of trouble off the field, saying it shouldn't be a headline.
"I don't even pay attention to having a quiet offseason," Bryant said. "That's not my focus at this point. It's all about doing the right thing. Of course you're supposed to stay out of trouble, but just do what you're supposed to do.
"I'm doing what everybody else is doing, that's doing the right thing."
Bryant says his guide for staying on the right path consists of finding things he loves and focusing on them. And the good news for the Cowboys is that playing football is what Bryant loves.
"Just doing better and staying consistent at doing the things that's good," Bryant said. "Just finding things that you love. Finding things that you're comfortable with. And it kind of becomes second nature once you got it."
Bryant's problems off the field have included a July arrest for allegedly assaulting his mother at her DeSoto home, a criminal trespass warning at a Dallas mall and multiple lawsuits from unpaid jewelry and sporting event tickets.
So, what has been one of his biggest adjustments to distancing himself from toruble?
"I'll say this and I'll let y'all figure this one out," Bryant said, "just opening up my mouth and not being afraid to say things and doing what I feel is right."
If you haven't read it before, Bryant had a difficult childhood. He lived in several different homes as a youth, had a mother who spent 18 months in jail for selling drugs and he struggled in school.
But Bryant has appeared to be on the right path both on and off the field since his July arrest.
His biggest challenge going forward will be maintaining that pace.
"I really don't like making excuses, but it'd be a lot different if I grew up the way half the other guys grew up," Bryant said. "There ain't no telling what I might be. I accept mine. That's what men do. You accept what you do wrong, you learn from it and you do the right thing."
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