Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson scoffed when he heard that Dez Bryant said he believed he could do whatever Calvin Johnson can.
Burleson has played alongside Randy Moss. He’s played with Johnson. He likes Bryant, but doesn’t believe the Dallas Cowboys wideout is there yet.
“Listen, I like Dez,” Burleson said Tuesday. “I think he’s one of the best receivers in the game right now. Very talented, fast, big, strong — he possesses all the tools to possibly be as good as Calvin.
“But he’s not Calvin Johnson. No way, no how. Sorry Dez. Keep it real.”
The conversation started because of a radio interview Bryant gave Monday on 103.3 FM ESPN in Dallas.
Bryant expressed a lot of reverence for Johnson. But when asked what the Detroit Pro Bowler does that he can’t, Bryant answered with pride in himself.
“I believe I can do whatever he can do,” Bryant told the station. “I think it’s just a pride thing. When it comes to football, just being on the field, it’s a mindset and having a mentality. I honestly believe when I’m there, I’ll be feeling like there’s nothing I can’t do. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I’m going to do it.”
Bryant took to Twitter on Tuesday in response to how others have perceived his self confidence.
I see I have to be extra careful about what I say
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 22, 2013
Burleson also called Johnson, now 28 years old and in his seventh year in the NFL, “a living legend.”
Johnson has 33 catches for 492 yards and six touchdowns this season, although he missed one game and was limited in another by a knee injury. Bryant has 42 catches for 569 yards and six touchdowns.
Burleson also addressed his recovery status Tuesday, saying he lifted weights and was being fitted for a Kevlar brace on his left forearm. He hasn’t played since breaking his forearm while reaching to save a sliding pizza box, causing a single-car crash on Sept. 24.
Burleson ruled himself out for Sunday against Dallas but appears closer to potentially playing against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 10, following the Lions’ bye week.
Burleson on Dez: "He"s not Calvin Johnson"
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