Dallas Cowboys Return Man KaVontae Turpin Arrested on Marijuana and Weapon Charges

On July 5, 2025, KaVontae Turpin, the Dallas Cowboys’ dynamic return specialist and wide receiver, was taken into custody by the Allen Police Department in Allen, Texas. Turpin, 28, faces two misdemeanor charges: possession of less than two ounces of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was booked into the Collin County Jail and released the following day after posting a combined bond of $1,500 ($500 for the drug charge and $1,000 for the weapon charge) (reuters.com, people.com).

Arrest Details and Immediate Aftermath

According to Allen Police records, officers encountered Turpin during a routine traffic stop on July 5, where they discovered an unloaded firearm and a small quantity of marijuana in his vehicle. Texas law classifies possession of under two ounces of marijuana as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000 (reuters.com, nypost.com). The unlawful carrying of a weapon charge is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine under Texas statutes (reuters.com). Turpin was cooperative during booking and did not resist arrest, and no additional charges have been reported to date.

Turpin’s bond was set at $1,500 total—$500 for marijuana and $1,000 for the firearm—reflecting the relatively minor classification of the offenses. He posted bond early on July 6 and was released without bail further conditions reported publicly (people.com). Neither Turpin nor the Cowboys organization has issued an official statement, and no legal counsel has been publicly identified in court records (nfl.com).

Legal Context in Texas

Under Texas’s Controlled Substances Act, a first-time offender charged with possession of less than two ounces of marijuana may avoid incarceration through deferred adjudication or probation, especially if they have no prior convictions (reuters.com). The unlawful carrying of a weapon statute applies when a person carries a firearm in a manner not expressly permitted by Texas’s “open carry” or “campus carry” laws, or when the individual lacks the proper license to carry (reuters.com). Given Turpin’s high-profile status and absence of recent criminal history, his defense team will likely pursue probation or dismissal under diversion programs.

NFL Policy and Potential Disciplinary Actions

The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy empowers the league to impose disciplinary measures independent of criminal proceedings. While the policy does not automatically suspend players for misdemeanor convictions, past violations—especially those involving weapons—can lead to fines or game suspensions. The league often awaits legal resolution before acting but retains discretion to discipline on “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL” (reuters.com). Turpin’s prior off-field issues may factor into the league’s final decision.

Cowboys’ Response and Team Implications

As of this writing, the Dallas Cowboys have declined to comment on the arrest. Team management must balance Turpin’s on-field value against public image considerations. Turpin is integral to Dallas’s special teams unit: in 2024 he led the NFL with a 33.5-yard kickoff return average and accumulated 904 kick return yards, earning First Team All Pro honors (reuters.com). Cowboys officials will likely postpone any internal disciplinary action until the legal process concludes, but internal fines or a team suspension under the league’s collective bargaining agreement remain possible.

Turpin’s Unconventional Rise to NFL Stardom

Turpin’s journey to the NFL was far from linear. After a standout career at Texas Christian University (TCU) that ended in 2018 amid domestic violence allegations—and subsequent dismissal from the program—he went undrafted in 2019. He then showcased his talents in the Indoor Football League and the United States Football League (USFL), where he earned the 2022 MVP award by leading the league in all-purpose yards (kfgo.com). The Cowboys signed him in July 2022, and he made an immediate impact with two return touchdowns in the preseason.

In his first two NFL seasons, Turpin became one of the league’s most dangerous return men. In 2022 he was named to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist, and in 2024 he received First Team All Pro honors after becoming the first Cowboys player ever to score touchdowns via punt return, kickoff return, and reception in the same season (reuters.com). His receiving stats in 2024 included 31 catches for 420 yards and two touchdowns, plus 187 punt return yards with two scores (people.com).

Off Field Controversies and Redemption Narrative

Turpin’s most publicized off-field incident occurred in 2018, when he was dismissed from TCU following two domestic violence related incidents involving the same woman. He pleaded guilty to assault and received probation along with mandatory intervention programs. Since then, Turpin has publicly expressed remorse, credited structured support systems and personal growth for his maturation, and emphasized accountability in interviews (people.com). His ability to overcome that early setback has become a central theme in his comeback narrative.

What Lies Ahead

Turpin’s legal team is expected to file motions for deferred adjudication or probation, aiming to minimize long term repercussions on his record. Meanwhile, the NFL will monitor the case and assess any necessary disciplinary measures after the judicial process concludes. For the Cowboys, training camp and preseason preparations are imminent; team executives will need clarity on Turpin’s availability and any league-imposed suspension before finalizing the roster.

As Turpin navigates these legal challenges, his career trajectory—marked by perseverance, elite athleticism, and past personal missteps—remains at a crossroads. A favorable resolution could allow him to resume duties as one of the NFL’s premier return specialists, while any significant legal or league sanctions could impede his momentum on the field.