Dez Bryant: Mom| Dad| College Stats| How old is| Jerry Jones

Dez Bryant: Mom | Dad | College Stats | How Old Is | Jerry Jones

Dez Bryant is a name that resonates deeply with NFL fans, especially those who follow the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his electrifying performances, fiery passion, and elite receiving skills, Bryant has carved out a memorable place in football history. But beyond the touchdowns and highlight-reel catches, there’s a human story—one that includes his parents, his college achievements, and his complex relationship with Jerry Jones.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into Dez Bryant’s early life, explore his family background, break down his college stats, reveal his current age, and dissect his bond with Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones.

Dez Bryant’s Mom: Angela Bryant

Dez Bryant’s relationship with his mother, Angela Bryant, is well-documented and emotionally charged. Angela gave birth to Dez when she was just 15 years old, and her teenage years were far from easy.

Angela faced many challenges. She was reportedly involved in drug use and, at one point, was arrested and jailed. These hardships meant Dez experienced a tumultuous upbringing, moving from house to house and dealing with instability throughout his childhood.

Despite these difficulties, Dez has remained publicly respectful of his mother, even when tension surfaced in the media. A particularly notorious moment came in 2012 when Dez was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute with Angela. She accused him of grabbing her forcefully during an argument, but charges were eventually dropped, and Dez worked hard to mend the relationship afterward.

Angela Bryant later acknowledged her past mistakes and expressed pride in her son’s accomplishments, both on and off the field. Today, the two share a healthier relationship than in years past, and Dez has often credited her with giving him resilience.

Dez Bryant’s Dad: MacArthur Hatton

Dez Bryant’s father, MacArthur Hatton, has remained largely out of the public eye. Unlike Angela, MacArthur did not play a major role in Dez’s early life. There is little documented about their relationship, and Dez rarely speaks about his father in interviews.

Reports suggest that Hatton was absent for much of Dez’s upbringing, which left the future NFL star to rely more on extended family and coaches for guidance and support. The lack of a consistent paternal figure deeply impacted Dez, and this emotional void has often been cited as part of the adversity he overcame to reach NFL stardom.

Though MacArthur Hatton may not have been present during Bryant’s rise to fame, Dez managed to channel the pain and frustration of his past into motivation. His story serves as a testament to what determination and passion can achieve—even without a stable family foundation.

College Career at Oklahoma State: Stats and Highlights

Before becoming a first-round NFL draft pick, Dez Bryant was a superstar in college football, playing wide receiver for Oklahoma State University (OSU). He was recruited as one of the top high school wide receivers in the country, and he quickly lived up to the hype.

Freshman Year (2007)

• Games Played: 12

• Receptions: 43

• Receiving Yards: 622

• Touchdowns: 6

As a freshman, Bryant showed flashes of brilliance. He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors and quickly established himself as a reliable deep threat.

Sophomore Year (2008)

This was Dez Bryant’s breakout year, where he emerged as one of the top wide receivers in college football.

• Games Played: 13

• Receptions: 87

• Receiving Yards: 1,480

• Touchdowns: 19

Bryant led the Big 12 in receiving yards and touchdowns. He also contributed as a punt returner, scoring two touchdowns on special teams. He earned First-Team All-American honors and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top wide receiver.

Junior Year (2009)

Bryant’s junior season was marred by controversy. He was suspended by the NCAA after it was revealed that he had lied to NCAA investigators about a meeting with former NFL player Deion Sanders.

• Games Played: 3

• Receptions: 17

• Receiving Yards: 323

• Touchdowns: 4

Though his season was cut short, his performance in those three games still impressed scouts. He declared for the NFL Draft in 2010, foregoing his senior year.

How Old Is Dez Bryant?

As of August 2025, Dez Bryant is 36 years old. He was born on November 4, 1988, in Galveston County, Texas. Despite nearing the age many consider retirement territory for wide receivers, Dez has not officially retired from the NFL.

Over the years, Bryant has remained in peak physical shape and has teased multiple comebacks, including stints with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. While his best years are behind him, he continues to stay active on social media and in training, occasionally signaling interest in a return to the field.

Dez Bryant and Jerry Jones: A Complex Relationship

The connection between Dez Bryant and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is deep, emotional, and occasionally turbulent. Jones drafted Dez in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft (24th overall pick), despite concerns about his off-field issues. This showed Jones’ willingness to believe in Bryant’s talent and potential.

Mutual Respect

During Dez’s tenure with the Cowboys (2010–2017), Jones often spoke highly of him, praising not only his athleticism but also his growth as a person. In turn, Dez frequently expressed love and admiration for Jones, often referring to him as a father figure.

Bryant’s passion for the Cowboys was unmatched. He was the team’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions (73) and had three Pro Bowl appearances during his time in Dallas. Dez Bryant college stats.

The 2018 Release

In April 2018, Jerry Jones made the difficult decision to release Dez Bryant from the Cowboys. The team was moving in a different direction, and there were concerns about Dez’s production and injuries. While Jones stated it was a “business decision,” the move stunned Dez.

Bryant took the release personally and initially expressed disappointment and confusion. However, in later years, both parties appeared to reconcile. Dez even tweeted in 2021 that he would be open to returning to Dallas if given the opportunity.

Legacy and Reconciliation

Today, the relationship between Dez Bryant and Jerry Jones seems cordial and respectful. Dez continues to attend Cowboys events and maintains his love for the franchise. Jones has also spoken warmly about Dez in retrospective interviews, hinting at the possibility of the team honoring him in the future. Dez Bryant college stats.

Post-NFL Life and Media Presence

Since stepping away from full-time professional football, Dez Bryant has reinvented himself in various ways:

• Social Media Activism: Dez is very active on platforms like Twitter (now X), where he shares thoughts on NFL games, players, and societal issues.

• Business Ventures: He launched “Personal Corner,” a digital platform that connects fans and athletes.

• Mentoring Young Players: Bryant has taken an interest in mentoring young athletes, particularly wide receivers. He has trained with up-and-coming NFL stars during offseasons.

• Media Appearances: He has been featured on sports talk shows and podcasts, providing insight into the NFL and his own career.

Career NFL Stats at a Glance

Though this article focuses on college stats, a quick overview of Dez Bryant’s NFL career is warranted:

• Seasons Played: 8 (Dallas Cowboys), plus a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens

• Games Played: 113

• Receptions: 537

• Receiving Yards: 7,506

• Touchdowns: 75

He ranks among the top receivers in Cowboys history and left a lasting legacy on the field. Dez Bryant college stats.

Final Thoughts

Dez Bryant’s life and career are a compelling blend of athletic brilliance, personal adversity, and emotional depth. From his challenging upbringing with his mom and absent dad, to his record-breaking college stats at Oklahoma State, and his roller-coaster ride with Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant’s journey is one of resilience.

Today, at 36 years old, Bryant remains a fan favorite, admired not just for his game-day heroics but for the person he has become. Whether or not he ever suits up again in the NFL, Dez Bryant’s impact on the sport—and on those who know his story—will not be forgotten.