Dez Bryant Net Worth

What is Dez Bryant’s Net Worth?

Desmond Demond Bryant, widely known as Dez Bryant, is a retired American football wide receiver celebrated for his exceptional athleticism and dynamic plays. Beyond his on-field achievements, many fans and followers are curious about his financial standing. As of 2024, Dez Bryant’s net worth is estimated to be $16 million. This figure primarily reflects his successful NFL career, during which he earned approximately $54 million in total career earnings.

Early Life and High School

Dez Bryant’s journey to NFL stardom began with a challenging upbringing. Born on November 4, 1988, on Galveston Island, Texas, he faced adversity early on. His mother, Angela, was only 15 years old at the time of his birth, and she was later arrested for dealing crack cocaine when Dez was just eight years old. This difficult environment led him to live in eight different homes while attending Lufkin High School. Despite these hardships, Bryant found solace and purpose in football. During his junior year, he led his team to an impressive 14-1 record. In his senior year, Bryant showcased his talent with 53 receptions for 1,207 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning him an All-State selection. Beyond football, he also excelled in track and field, establishing himself as one of the top competitors in Texas in the triple jump.

Collegiate Career

Bryant’s exceptional high school performance attracted attention from several college programs. He chose to attend Oklahoma State University, where he quickly made an impact. In his freshman year, Bryant finished second on the team with 43 receptions for 622 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. His sophomore season was even more impressive, as he posted 87 receptions for 1,480 receiving yards and 19 receiving touchdowns, earning him All-American honors. However, his collegiate career was cut short when he was ruled ineligible for most of the 2009 season due to violating an NCAA bylaw. Despite this setback, Bryant’s talent was undeniable, and he declared for the NFL Draft.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys selected Dez Bryant in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player for the team. In his rookie season, he recorded 45 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns. He became the first Cowboys rookie since Kevin Williams in 1993 to record multiple punt returns for touchdowns in a single season. Bryant continued to improve in the following years, with 63 receptions for 928 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011, and 92 receptions for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012. The 2013 season saw Bryant reach new heights with career highs of 93 catches and 13 touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection. His most productive NFL season came in 2014, with 88 receptions for 1,320 yards and an NFL-leading 16 touchdowns. He made his second consecutive Pro Bowl that year. However, the Cowboys’ playoff run ended in the Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers.

In 2015, Bryant suffered a foot injury that kept him out for several weeks. He returned in Week 8, but finished the season with only 31 receptions for 401 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He continued to struggle with injuries in 2016, but still managed 50 receptions for 796 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. The Cowboys made the playoffs again, only to lose in the Divisional Round to the Packers. Bryant was named to his third Pro Bowl that season. He played his final season with the Cowboys in 2017, with 69 receptions for 838 yards and six touchdowns. The team missed the playoffs, and the Cowboys released Bryant in the spring of 2018 after eight seasons.

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New Orleans Saints

In the ninth week of the 2018 season, Dez Bryant signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, during a team practice, he tore his Achilles tendon, which led to him being placed on injured reserve. He never played a game with the Saints.

Baltimore Ravens

After taking the 2019 season to recover from his Achilles injury, Bryant joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in 2020. He was elevated to the team’s active roster in November. He was sidelined by COVID-19 in December. In Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bryant caught his first touchdown pass since 2017. He finished the abbreviated season with six receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

Contracts

A significant factor in Dez Bryant’s net worth is his contract with the Dallas Cowboys. In 2015, he signed a five-year, $70 million contract that included $45 million in guaranteed money. This contract was a notable deal for a wide receiver at the time. While some questioned whether it was too much for a player who hadn’t yet consistently performed at a high level, Bryant proved his worth by having two of his best seasons in 2016 and 2017. He also helped the Cowboys secure two NFC East titles during his tenure.

Legal Trouble

Throughout his career, Dez Bryant faced several legal issues. In 2011, he was sued for nonpayment of legal fees and jewelry he acquired on credit during his time as a student-athlete. The case was settled in court. In 2012, he was arrested on a domestic violence charge for allegedly hitting his biological mother, Angela. He was also sued in the summer of 2016 by Texas state senator Royce West for allegedly damaging West’s rental home in DeSoto, Texas.

Personal Life

Dez Bryant has two sons, Dez Jr. and Zayne. He is currently in a relationship with Ilyne Nash. His personal life and relationships are often followed by fans and media, adding another layer to the public’s interest in the former NFL star.