For the second time in his career, KaVontae Turpin has been voted an NFLPA All-Pro by his peers as a kick returner, adding to his 2024 resume that already includes a second Pro Bowl nod.
Each year, the NFLPA asks players across the league to select who had the biggest impact at their respective positions and the positions they line up against. In 2022, Turpin was voted as an All-Pro punt returner, and it’s the third straight year a Cowboys specialist has been named to the team, with Brandon Aubrey earning the kicker honors in 2023.
Turpin’s special teams impact has been resounding for the Cowboys since he joined the team from the XFL in 2022, where he became the first Cowboys specialist to ever earn Pro Bowl honors as a return specialist.
In 2024 Turpin had his best year yet, returning a punt and kickoff back for a touchdown, the first of his career in the regular season in each category. Turpin returned a total of 27 kickoffs for 907 yards, 113 more yards than the next closest returner in the NFL this season.
His first career kickoff return for a touchdown couldn’t have come at a better time for the Cowboys in a Week 12 thriller on the road against the Washington Commanders, where he bobbled the return initially before spinning away from defenders en route to a 99-yard touchdown.
“I feel like that’s one of the best plays that happened this year,” Turpin said. “I’m grateful for it and I still enjoy that moment.”
Turpin has also earned Pro Bowl honors under two different kickoff formats, another testament to his versatility to add value on special teams regardless of circumstance.
“Just being versatile, no matter what you do, I can go out there and just be me and just be a playmaker no matter what the rules are,” Turpin said. “No matter what you try to change formats, I’m going to go out there and just try to be the best at what I do.”
Speaking of versatility, there was an increased role for Turpin as a wide receiver as well in 2024, recording career highs in receptions (31) and receiving yards (420) to go along with two touchdowns. As the fastest player in the NFL, he isn’t slowing down. But the game of football is for him, and he’s growing more and more comfortable in the NFL.
“Just confidence, just knowing that I can play in this league…” Turpin said about settling into a larger role. “This year, I’m just way more calm, way more poised, and I’m just being myself.”
Turpin heads into the 2025 offseason as a restricted free agent, another example of the many upcoming decisions that have to be made by the Cowboys front office.
