Dallas Cowboys Star KaVontae Turpin Arrested in Texas on Weapon and Drug Charges

NFL’s highest-paid return specialist faces misdemeanor charges amid stellar 2024 season and past legal troubles

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin was arrested in Allen, Texas, on Saturday, July 5, on charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana, according to reports from CBS News and ESPN. The arrest marks another legal issue in Turpin’s turbulent journey, following a breakout season and a high-profile contract extension.

Turpin, 28, was booked into the Collin County Jail and charged with misdemeanor possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana and carrying a weapon unlawfully. According to court records, he was released the following day, Sunday, July 6, after posting a $1,500 bond — $500 for the drug charge and $1,000 for the weapon charge.

Neither Turpin’s manager, Rey Jay Soto, nor the Allen Police Department have issued official statements at the time of reporting.

From Pro Bowl to Police Custody

Turpin, who joined the Cowboys in 2022, made headlines this past March when he signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the team, making him the highest-paid special teams player in the NFL. In the 2024 season, he led the league with an average kick return of 33.5 yards, accumulating 904 return yards on 27 kicks and 187 yards from 18 punt returns. Additionally, Turpin caught 31 passes for 420 yards as a wide receiver, earning his second NFL Pro Bowl selection.

The Cowboys celebrated his re-signing on Instagram, writing, “The fastest player in the NFL is staying in Dallas ⭐️.”

A Troubled Past

Before becoming a professional standout, Turpin had a controversial college career at Texas Christian University (TCU). He was dismissed from the team in 2018 after being accused of domestic assault involving his longtime girlfriend. In 2019, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of deferred adjudication probation and ordered to complete a 27-week abuse intervention program.

Turpin also faced an earlier arrest in New Mexico in March 2018 for another alleged assault. He pleaded not guilty to the related battery charge.

At his first Cowboys training camp, Turpin reflected on his past, stating, “I got to learn from my accountability, my consequences… I’m just looking forward to becoming a greater man now.”

What Comes Next?

The latest arrest raises questions about Turpin’s future with the Cowboys and the NFL. While the charges are misdemeanors, his past legal issues could complicate the team’s response and the league’s disciplinary considerations.

Turpin’s arrest comes amid an otherwise exceptional career moment, putting a shadow over his record-breaking performance and recent financial success. As legal proceedings move forward, the Cowboys and NFL fans alike will watch closely to see how the situation unfolds — and whether the speedster’s off-field issues will derail his momentum on the field.