KaVontae Turpin’s performance on the field on Saturday made a strong case that he belongs on an NFL roster this season. Turpin was the difference-maker in the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason victory on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had two special teams touchdowns as the Cowboys cruised to victory 32-18.
After the Dallas defense gave up a withering, sustained Chargers offensive drive that resulted in a first-quarter field goal, Turpin was back to receive the kickoff. Taking the ball at the two-yard line, Turpin quickly hit a gaping hole in the middle of the field before turning on the afterburners and showing off the speed that made him a sensation at Texas Christian University. The 98-yard touchdown gave Dallas a 7-3 lead early.
Then, deep into the second quarter, Turpin got another shot to show off his skills, receiving a deep punt by the Chargers at the 14-yard line. Turpin ran through several tackle attempts before springing loose to collect his second special teams TD of the day.
“I’m an exciting player, and every time I get the ball, there’s a big play waiting to happen,” Turpin said after the game. “(On the kickoff return) I caught it, went down the lane, made one cut, and I was off to the races. On the punt return, I had to make people miss and be shifty. I am just happy my guys blocked, and I’m just blessed to be on this team.”
Turpin played for TCU from 2015 to 2018 but was cut after two charges of domestic violence were levied against him. In 2019, Turpin pleaded guilty and has not had any further run-ins with the law.
After leaving TCU, Turpin bounced around, spending time in the Fan Controlled Football league before joining the Panthers Wroclaw of the European Football League.
Last season, Turpin signed with the New Jersey Generals for the inaugural USFL season, where he was named league MVP. The Cowboys held a special session ahead of training camp and signed Turpin on July 27.
His performance makes it more likely than not that he will be the Cowboys’ choice to fill the hole at kick returner that is currently up for grabs as receiver CeeDee Lamb has been moved to the WR1 spot after the Cowboys traded Amari Cooper in the offseason. In addition to handling kick returns, Turpin is also an option at receiver.
“He’s so dynamic,” head coach Mike McCarthy said. “You go back to his college days, and clearly, in my opinion, he was the best player I saw in the USFL coming out. I’ve been so impressed with him since day one. He got here the first day, picked the offense up, and jumped right in there. He’s very dynamic on special teams.”
The Dallas Cowboys have now concluded their “away” portion of the preseason and are returning to Frisco for the final match that will be held on August 29 at The Star in Frisco against visiting Seattle.
Coaching staff had previously ruled out many of the Cowboys’ most dynamic playmakers for the first two matches, but there is a chance that QB Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and cornerback Trevon Diggs may see field time in the final preseason game.
Final roster cuts will happen the Tuesday following the final game, and teams will be required to reduce to 53 players. At this stage, Turpin has made a statement that he belongs in the NFL. If the Cowboys decide to go in a different direction, one of the 31 other teams will likely find a spot for the rising star.
