Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant appeared at a local department store near Oklahoma State on Saturday, and spoke both of his health and the upcoming NFL season.
According to ESPN Dallas and the Associated Press, Bryant is confident that the season will not only occur, but open up on time.
"There will be an NFL season and I think we will start on time," Bryant said. "I know Dallas will be ready to go, and I'll be ready to put on my helmet and go to work."
While Bryant has no real insight to any of the labor negotiations, his optimism is nice to see. Bryant, though, does have insight into his recovery from his broken ankle he suffered late last season.
Bryant said he had no lingering effects from the broken ankle he suffered against Indianapolis in early December. "I'm very determined to stay healthy this season," Bryant said. "I'm working hard and I am staying focused on that. I'm running routes every day to get ready. It was 104 degrees yesterday and I was running gassers. I feel good and I'm ready to play."
This is excellent news for Cowboys fans, as watching Bryant was easily the highlight of the 2010 season. He'll likely have to play a big role in Dallas' offense in 2011 if the Cowboys are going to return to the playoffs.
Even better, Bryant has been working out with his teammates at an undisclosed location.
"We're getting together two or three times a week at an undisclosed location," Bryant said with a smile. "We can't be at the facility, but everything else is fine. We're going through practice and getting ready. The work stoppage isn't hurting me at all. I'm motivating myself to be ready."
Maybe Dallas fans have reason for cautious optimism headed into 2011 after all.