Dez Bryant Says 'Nobody Reps the Star More Than Me' After Tardiness Question

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant affirmed his commitment to the organization after being asked about showing up late for his physical and conditioning tests last week.

On Tuesday, Conor Orr of NFL.com passed along the wideout's response to a question about his allegiance to the franchise, which selected him in the first round of the 2010 draft.

"Everybody in this organization knows what's up with me," Bryant said. "They know I love this football team. You know, me personally, I feel nobody reps the star more than me. That's not a shot directed at nobody, that's just how I feel. I always loved it. I love the fans and I put my all out for them you know? I don't care if I'm injured, I'll try my best to get out there and play. That's how it's always been. I love Dallas. I love this place, I just love everything about it. I love the coaches, I love (owner) Jerry Jones, I love Stephen (Jones), I love everybody around this place."

Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News reported Bryant was facing a fine from the Cowboys for showing up late Friday, one day after holding a barbecue event in his hometown of Lufkin, Texas.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said over the weekend the team's wide-ranging off-field problems are an area of focus heading into training camp, per David Helman of the team's official website.

"We're going to get closer and closer and closer to what the standard is each and every day," he said. "It's part of being a human being. You make mistakes. The biggest thing that we have to provide for them is structure and an environment where they understand there is accountability in place. Accountability does not mean infallibility. Each and every day we're going to get better."

Bryant emerged as one of the league's most valuable offensive weapons starting in 2012. He made 273 catches for 3,935 yards and 41 touchdowns across a three-year period where he was the unquestioned top target among the Boys' receivers.

Injury woes and a more balanced attack have let to a drop-off in production the last two years, though. He tallied just 50 grabs for 796 yards and eight scores across 13 appearances in 2016. Cole Beasley led the way with 75 catches and 98 targets.

At 28, Bryant still has the physical tools to serve as a force on the outside. That's especially true since he should see plenty of single coverage thanks to the presence of Beasley, Jason Witten and Terrance Williams.

Showing up late for training camp procedures raised obvious red flags about his commitment. But Bryant is trying to quickly downplay that criticism by professing his love for the Cowboys.