Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver “would love to see Greg Hardy back” with the team next season.
The Cowboys have to decide if they want to re-sign Hardy only a year after the defensive end was released by the Carolina Panthers due to his troubles with the law off the field.
“You see guys perform at a high level around him, and that’s what he brings to the defense,” Bryant told the Sporting News. “I know I would love to see Greg back with us. He’s a great teammate. I love him. I hope we can get him back. Greg Hardy loves the game. Anybody who loves the game, I love him.”
The Cowboys’ front office reportedly has been wavering in its support of the controversial pass rusher.
The Cowboys signed Hardy to a one-year, $11.3 million deal in 2015. He recorded six sacks, 35 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in 12 games after serving a four-game suspension by the NFL.
Cowboys fans, former greats of the team and state and local politicians spoke out against Hardy after he signed with Dallas because of a high-profile domestic violence incident in North Carolina. Hardy spent most of the 2014 season on the commissioner’s exempt list before charges were formally dropped.
Photos showing bruises and abrasions on the body of Hardy’s former girlfriend were published by Deadspin last year. The Cowboys claim they did not see the pictures before signing Hardy even though the NFL acknowledged seeing the graphic evidence during its own investigation.
Bryant missed seven games because of foot and ankle injuries in 2015, and a broken collarbone caused quarterback Tony Romo to be out 12 weeks. The Cowboys finished 4-12.
“We were both extremely frustrated, dealing with these injuries,” Bryant said. “It didn’t stop from me from trying to be out there with my teammates to help them win games. (Romo) felt he needed to be there, too. It just goes to show you his mentality. He’s a strong-willed person.
“The good thing we got out of this past season is that nobody ever gave up. Hopefully that will translate into next season.”
