Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is holding himself, and his teammates, more accountable. It’s all part of what Bryant describes as his development as a leader in the Dallas locker room.
Bryant said recently that, of late, young receivers have been more open about coming to him when they find themselves in need of advice.
"I view myself differently," Bryant told USA TODAY this week. "I feel like I have to be on top of my game. I look at myself of a co-leader of this team, so I have to make sure my stuff is right, to make sure everybody else is right. I feel like the role that I'm playing – you have to be mature and you have to be accountable, and you have to hold other guys accountable too."
Those around Cowboys training camp have noticed a difference in Bryant, as well. After an encouragingly uneventful offseason, and a 2012 in which he set career highs in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, Bryant is widely viewed as having one of the biggest upsides of any receiver in the league.
"He's really getting into the team thing, and he's really making the most of his reps," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "He recognizes that he's being counted on, and he's out there practicing responsibly."
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