Bryant with ‘something to prove’ for new team |
Martavis Bryant traded in black and yellow colors on the East Coast for silver and black out West in a manner of hours after a draft-night trade that sent him from Pittsburgh to Oakland Thursday.
It’s a delayed fulfillment of his wishes last season after a slow start to his role in the Steelers' offense after a return from a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy. In technically his third season as a pro, Bryant played his most games (15) and tied for his most receptions (50), with 603 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. In the postseason, the T.L. Hanna (Anderson, S.C.) grad caught two passes for 78 yards and a score. Bryant has a gaudy 20 career touchdowns in 40 games (counting postseason) and he caught his new coach’s eye with his work ethic along the way. “We’ve been looking for a size receiver, a big receiver,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said this week. “He’s big, he’s 6’4. We’re looking for a fast receiver and he’s fast, he runs sub 4.4. So he has size, he has speed. I’ve seen the Steelers practice in my previous position (at ESPN). The man knows how to practice. The guy knows how to prepare. “He’s been through a lot in his life and he’s got something to prove and I think we’re catching him at the right time.” Bryant says he’s ready to take advantage of the new opportunity. “It’s a clean slate and a fresh start for me,” Bryant told reporters. “I’ve got a lot to prove. I don’t want to be just a one-dimensional player. I have a lot to work on, all aspects of my game. I’m going to do that, just to prove to myself that I can be great.” “I’m just going to come in and contribute the best way I can. Whatever coach need me to do. Whatever my teammates need for me to be there for them and have their back. Just go to work every day and have everything fall in place.”
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