Dez Bryant talks celebrity status, Byron Jones, returning punts and more

Dez Bryant doesn’t consider himself a celebrity, although some might argue that considering he’s the star receiver on “America’s Team” and is represented by a company run by music mogul Jay Z.

Not to mention he’s going to be featured in an upcoming Rolling Stone magazine.

“I’m not a celebrity, man,” Bryant said. “God blessed me with a gift and I’m trying my best to take full advantage of it each and every day, and try to stay as positive as I can because I know young ones are watching me, including my own.”

Bryant, 26, went on to lament about how much attention his Sunday scuffle with cornerback Tyler Patmon generated. Bryant pointed to a heated incident that happened at the New York Giants practice that didn’t receive nearly the same attention.

However, Bryant does understand why cameras love to follow him and his tendency to become animated on the sidelines even though he doesn’t necessarily agree with it.

“I want you all to understand that things like that happen at training camp,” Bryant said.

But Bryant was in a good mood all day Tuesday, speaking with reporters for about six minutes. Among the highlights:

On making one-handed catch vs. Patmon on Tuesday, first practice after their fight: “It’s two great competitors out there competing. The thing about is, I want you all to understand that things like that happen at training camp. It’s so sad that after me and Patmon had our little incident, I turn my TV on and see that the New York Giants are going at it, and don’t nobody want to talk about none of that, no matter who it is. Those kind of things happen at camp. That was a prime example.”

On losing his one-on-one compete drill with Byron Jones: “That was a good job by him because I had it. He had my right arm. I practice on my left and my right enough. I had my eyes glued to the ball. He just made an outstanding play. He ripped it out, I had to congratulate him. I sure was trying to bring it in.”

More on Jones: “I like him. The beauty about it is he’s willing to learn and you can see it. He’s not bad on himself if he doesn’t make the play because he know, you know? And I think that’s how you become great. There’s nothing wrong with listening and I think he does a great job with that. He wants to be a great contributor when he comes to this team.”

On returning punts in practice: “That’s just making sure I’m keeping my legs warm throughout the period.”

On returning punts during season: “Oh, man, if they put me back there, I’m going to get back there.”

On offense’s efficiency during two-minute drill: “Two-minute is always great. It’s something that can translate over to the game and it’s something you want to be prepared for in any kind of situation.”

On being on cover of upcoming Rolling Stone: “Look ... ask me when it drop, OK? Just ask me then and I’m gonna tell you.”

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 9:23 PM with the headline "Dez Bryant talks celebrity status, Byron Jones, returning punts and more."