Multiple times in the last few weeks, the Dallas Cowboys can claim they have the edge over nearly ever other team in the NFL. … in one specific area. And now as part of the package, they are putting in a claim on how to use “The NFL’s Fastest Man” in another way.
KaVontae Turpin’s electrifying speed made him an attractive piece for the Cowboys when they signed him from the UFL in 2022 – where’s he’d just won MVP. The idea of the signing? Kick and punt returns, and that has paid off.
In two of Dallas’ most recent matchups against the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders he provided apparent reminders to his talents.
Against Houston, Turpin caught a pass in the open field before darting away for a 64-yard score. The following week at Washington, he let the ball trickle between his legs before scooping it up at his own one-yard line and turning upfield to go 99-yards for a score that ended up winning the game for the Cowboys. And on Thursday, Dallas used him again on offense as he had a carry plus four receptions, one of those on a screen pass on which he converted a third down in topping tyhe Giants.
It is no surprise that Turpin is repeating his belief that he is “the fastest person on the planet.”
The Dallas offense has needed some explosiveness, and now Turpin has 25 catches for 328 yards and two touchdowns on offense … and he’s averaging 36.3 yards per return on kickoffs this season – the most in the NFL since 2014.
The 5-9, 155-pound Turpin became the first player this season to have both a kickoff return and a punt return for touchdowns. He is also just the fifth player since the NFL-AFL merger to have 60-plus yard touchdowns as a punt returner, kick returner and receiver in the same season. He’s been clocked at an elite 21.35 MPH on returns this year.
“He’s gonna continue to grow and he’s done a really good job in that receivers room,” coach Mike McCarthy said of the TCU product. “I’m really proud of that young man. … He’s a special little guy.”
What’s next for Turpin? Dallas is 5-7, so there is the matter of a hoped-for playoff run. And after that? He’s a restricted free agent, so Dallas has some contractual control here; a second-round tender would cost $4.89 million – which sounds like a bargain.
Turpin, 28, who just this year realized he needs glasses and now wears contacts during games, seems almost like a generational talent in one specific area. … and maybe more.
“I’ve always been the fastest person on this planet,” he said. That’s how I feel. I’ve been feeling like I’m the fastest person in the NFL.”
