One of the things that Jerry Jones got right this offseason is not biting on this storyline of wide receiver Dez Bryant turning the corner in terms of maturity. Jones knows all too well that this is a day-to-day thing with Bryant.
Yes, he's surrounded himself with better people. And I'm sure the counseling sessions following last's July's arrest for allegedly striking his mother at her DeSoto home have helped. But the worst thing that can happen is for Bryant to let down his guard while being congratulated for his good behavior. He's effectively lowered the bar to the point where we celebrate him going a few months without getting in trouble. And judging by his comments, he agrees that he shouldn't receive a bunch of headlines for good behavior.
Bryant the football player had a major breakthrough in the second half of last season. That's the most noteworthy thing that has happened to him heading toward training camp. When he goes a couple of years without getting in trouble, then maybe we can praise his off-the-field behavior.
This subject came up Tuesday in association with Bryant's new friendship with Michael Jordan. Bryant met Jordan at the NBA All-Star game, and now he's joined the Nike family. He's even preparing to travel to Oregon to submit some new shoe designs. Bryant talked about some of the advice he's received from Jordan.
"It just adds fuel to trying to do things great at all times," Bryant said of his association with Nike and the Jordan Brand. "That's something you don't want to mess up … Everybody knows Michael Jordan is about his business, so that makes you want to be about yours."
Bryant will need to continue taking positive steps off the field to maintain his relationship with Nike. Hopefully that will give him even more incentive.
But for now, let's hold off on the celebrations regarding his maturity and simply focus on what he's accomplishing on the field.
