FRISCO — In just three seasons, Dallas Cowboys’ receiver KaVontae Turpin has become one of the most feared special teams players in the NFL. His unique speed and agility make him almost impossible to catch in a footrace and a difficult tackle in the open field.
The Cowboys were fortunate to discover his talents during Turpin’s tenure in the USFL and he has now become an irreplaceable gadget piece in their offense along with his reputation as a vaunted kick returner.
Turpin led the league in kickoff return yards (904) and had four total touchdowns with two of those came on punt and kick returns. His success helped him to his first ever AP First Team All-Pro selection and his second ever Pro Bowl appearance.
Turpin and fellow Pro Bowler Brandon Aubrey represent two of Dallas’ big special teams finds outside the NFL and collegiate ranks in recent seasons.
The latter of those two accolades provided him with a platform for a viral moment in Sunday afternoon’s flag football game. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow dropped back for a pass before Turpin darted toward him.
Burrow haplessly tried to fake out Turpin, but the agile returner translated his skills in a defensive setting to corral the quarterback, pull the flag and get the sack. To this point, that is his lone known sack in a Cowboys uniform.
Turpin and the NFC would capture the victory 77-63 for their third straight win at the Pro Bowl. With that result, his third season in Dallas officially comes to an end.
He will hit the market as a restricted free agent this offseason though the Cowboys may have to pony up a bit more financially to keep him in town. His star has grown and other teams will want to pay for his services if available.