With NFL Rule Changes Steelers' Cam Heyward Sees A Return For A Productive Martavis Bryant

Bryant ended up signing with the XFL's Vipers in December 2019, ahead of the league's inaugural season in 2020. However, he was placed on injured reserve in January 2020 and did not play in any games for the Vipers. The XFL's inaugural season was ultimately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the league filing for bankruptcy and ceasing operations in April 2020.

Bryant's signing with the Vipers was notable because it marked his return to professional football after his most recent suspension from the NFL. However, he did not have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the XFL due to his injury and the league's abrupt shutdown. He eventually was able to make his debut on Saturday when his Vipers fell short to the Arlington Renegades, 22-20. Bryant had 4 catches for 28 yards on 9 targets.

Steelers defensive captain, Cam Heyward took to his podcast this week, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, and he chimed in on Bryant's talent level, as well as the XFL's debut. Heyward had this to say:

"You look at guys like Martavis Bryant, and you look at Josh Gordon, and you see that the rules of the NFL have changed, and if those things had changed before, those guys wouldn't be out of the league. Those guys can play in the NFL. They've proven that. Let's see if they can continue to do it, and they work their way back up." 

Heyward, 33, being in the NFL since 2011, knows first-hand what elite talent looks like. He's a 3x First Team All-Pro, 1x Second Team All-Pro, 6x Pro Bowler, and was teammates with Bryant for the 2014-2017 seasons. Bryant was an absolute fan-favorite during his tenure in Pittsburgh, and only time will tell if he ends up back in the NFL, let alone wearing black and gold again. 

So, what do yinz think? Can Martavis Bryant still play in the NFL? How would yinz feel seeing him back in the Steel City? Comment below or on social media!