Drafted 24th overall out of Oklahoma State in 2010, Dez Bryant stepped into Big D carrying the legendary mantle of jersey No. 88. The All-American wideout announced his presence immediately, earning All-Rookie honors after compiling 561 receiving yards and six touchdowns on offense while generating another 508 yards and two scores on punt returns. Recognizing his singular aerial talent, the Cowboys quickly shifted his full focus to wide receiver—a move that unleashed one of the most physically dominant perimeter pass-catchers of his generation.

From 2012 through 2014, Bryant embarked on an absolute reign of terror against opposing secondaries, stringing together three consecutive seasons with at least 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Highlighting his game was a fierce, high-pointing ability that made him virtually unstoppable in tight coverage, culminating in a signature "Throw Up the X" touchdown celebration that swept through Cowboys Nation.

2014 was his best season, when he caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards and led the NFL with a franchise-record 16 touchdown receptions. That dominant run earned him First-Team All-Pro honors, his second of three Pro Bowl selections (2013, 2014, 2016), and anchored a division-winning Dallas offense.

Injuries slowed his production, and in April 2018, the Cowboys released Bryant after eight seasons. He signed with the Saints mid-2018 but tore his Achilles in his first practice, ending his year. After recovery, Bryant returned to the NFL with the Ravens in 2020, catching two touchdowns. With Dallas, he amassed 7,459 receiving yards and 73 receiving touchdowns.