During the NFC Championship Game last Sunday night, New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant engaged in an ugly war of words.
The back-and-forth, which started over Bryant mocking the Giants for letting Saquon Barkley walk in free agency, lasted three hours and grew increasingly heated.
Near the end of their public spat, Thibodeaux suggested he brought a “gun to a boxing match,” while Bryant suggested they “rap” in person.
Things quieted down for several days but the fire was rekindled on Thursday night.
Responding to word that former NFL senior vice president of officiating Dean Blandino’s brother believes the NFL is rigged, Bryant chimed in with his own conspiracy theories. He referenced “the no-catch” and, more specifically, being subbed off the field at odd times during the 2020 season when he was with the Baltimore Ravens.
Thibodeaux took that as an opportunity to pour some gasoline back on the fire.
“I was subbing you out in madden too,” Thibodeaux wrote on X.
Bryant was not amused.
Bruh your Madden NFL rating 77 at 24yrs of age 😂 …You’re supposed to be in your prime. As much as I play Madden..I never considered playing with the Giants. This is how it’s going to go for you. You’re not getting a contract extension if you don’t ball out… They let Saquon… https://t.co/jbVJYFT47M pic.twitter.com/KC3rnm55xq
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 31, 2025
“Bruh your Madden NFL rating 77 at 24yrs of age,” Bryant wrote. “You’re supposed to be in your prime. As much as I play Madden..I never considered playing with the Giants. This is how it’s going to go for you. You’re not getting a contract extension if you don’t ball out… They let Saquon walk..what do you think they’re going to do to you? I think you might be worrying about the wrong thing.”
Thibodeaux didn’t address the situation again, but Bryant persisted.
“I really wish him the best in his career, like all of the athletes, but he keeps talking,” he wrote.
There’s a long offseason ahead and it’s a safe bet that Thibodeaux and Bryant aren’t done jawing just yet.
