Yahoo Finance Dez Bryant says he's a Hall of Famer: 'Nobody put up TDs the way I put up'
If former Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant doesn't play another snap in the NFL, he believes he's a Hall of Famer. Bryant told TMZ he believes to make it to the Hall because "nobody put up TDs the way I put up."
He's got a point about scoring touchdowns. From 2011 to 2014, Bryant hauled in 50 receiving touchdowns. For his career, that number jumps to 75 touchdowns — 77 if you include his punt returns. His 75 receiving touchdowns rank 36th all-time among receivers.
Bryant's career isn't necessarily over yet, so it's possible he adds to that total. Bryant played six games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, catching six passes for 47 yards and two touchdowns. He's currently a free agent and could catch on with another team. Barring a return to his glory years, however, Bryant may have a tough time climbing the all-time touchdown list.
Is Dez Bryant a Hall of Famer?
Where does that leave Bryant? Probably on the outside looking in. A number of players with more touchdowns — including Irving Fryar, Andre Rison and Hines Ward — have not been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
While there's no doubt Bryant's peak was incredible, it was fairly short. He really only had four seasons where he put up elite numbers. Because of that, Bryant ranks 122nd on the all-time receiving yardage list. Players like Plaxico Burress and Laveranues Coles rank higher on that list. Burress and Coles were good players, but not Hall of Famers.
Bryant may have realized as much. Later in his conversation with TMZ, he says if he's not a Hall of Famer, he's at least "close."
Dez Bryant should make Cowboys Ring of Honor
Bryant won't be completely shut out once his career is over. He should be a shoo-in to make the Cowboys' Ring of Honor. No player — including Michael Irvin — has caught more touchdowns as a Cowboy. With 7,459 receiving yards, Bryant ranks No. 5 among Cowboys pass catchers.
Bryant could always add to those numbers by signing with the Cowboys for one more season. It's unclear if the team would make the move, as the Cowboys have depth at receiver. Still, it would make for a fun last season if Bryant decided to join his old team.
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