Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has reportedly applied for reinstatement to the NFL after being suspended for the 2016 season.
Banished #Steelers WR Martavis Bryant has applied for reinstatement, source said. Won't be back this season, but hoping for 2017 return.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 17, 2017
Bryant has a history of failing drug tests, with marijuana being his drug of choice. He was banned for a year before the 2016 season and was suspended four games before the 2015 season for failing multiple tests.
A dynamic player when he’s on the field, Bryant is doing what he can to get back to football. After his last suspension, he entered rehab and then made good use of his free time by coaching a high school football team.
While Pittsburgh has managed to get to the AFC Championship this year without Bryant, there is no doubt they are a better team offensively when he’s on the field.
After serving his suspension in 2015, Bryant came back strong to catch 50 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns. His ability to get open downfield, combined with Ben Roethlisberger’s strong arm, opens things up for the rest of the offense. This includes receiver Antonio Brown, whose numbers were down this year across the board except for touchdown catches.
If Bryant can convince the NFL that he’s done breaking the rules, his return could only help the Steelers next season.