Dallas, TX
KaVontae Turpin's competitiveness, versatility propel him to second Pro Bowl nod
FRISCO, Texas – Versatility is KaVontae Turpin’s honorary middle name, as the Cowboys have used him as a receiver, running back and returner in his three years in Dallas. On Thursday, he was named to his second Pro Bowl team as a return specialist, a testament to how much he’s shown in the NFL at such a short time.
“I’m grateful man, thank the Lord,” Turpin said. “Two years out of my three years here, I’m just grateful to show my ability on special teams. I’m grateful.”
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Turpin went undrafted and played in the USFL, Fan Controlled Football League and even oversees in Europe. He was the 2022 MVP of the USFL in their inaugural season. Now that he’s made it to the big leagues, he’s proven he belongs.
“Competitive, I’m a little guy, 5’9, 150 pounds going out there and competing on a big level with the big guys,” Turpin said when asked what stood out about himself on his journey to the NFL. “I’m just competitive, I go out there and compete no matter what the circumstances.”
And now, Turpin has backed that up with his second Pro Bowl nomination. He’s the only player in the NFL to have a punt return and kickoff return for a touchdown this season and is the first player in franchise history with at least a punt return, kick return and receiving TD in the same season. To make things more impressive, Turpin has made the Pro Bowl as a return specialist in the age of the old kickoff rules, and now the new ones as well.
“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.”
His impact hasn’t only come on special teams though. As a receiver, Turpin has added career highs in receptions (28) and yards (367) to go along with two touchdowns. Turpin and Kevin Williams are the only two Cowboys that have a rushing, receiving, punt return and kickoff return TDs in their Cowboys career.
His impact was felt the most the last time that the Cowboys played the Commanders, with an electrifying 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to give the Cowboys a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
“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.”
When the Commanders come into town on Sunday, Turpin hopes he gets a chance to have another similar kind of play.
“My people still send it to me, I still reflect on it,” Turpin said of the kickoff return. “I hope they give me another one so I can try and do something again on them.”
And if there was ever any question, Turpin still strongly believes he’s the fastest man in the NFL.
“Come on man, duh,” Turpin said with a laugh. “Yea I’m the fastest. That’s my mindset, always going to be my mindset no matter where I go.”
Dallas, TX
Petar Musa’s Brace Not Enough as FC Dallas Draws LA Galaxy 2-2
For a moment, it looked like FC Dallas was on its way to another statement win at home tonight.
Petar Musa scored two first half goals, to extend his Golden Boot leading tally to nine goals. But after Dallas grabbed control, the Galaxy found a way back before halftime with goals from Lucas Sanabria and Joseph Paintsil.
The second half brought more chances and more frustration for Dallas, which finished the night with 13 shots to LA’s nine. In the end, the point stretched Dallas’ unbeaten run to five games, though just like last week, it felt like another match where Dallas left points on the table.
Key Moments
7’ – GOAL! After a poor pass back by a LA defender, Petar Musa was free to go one-on-one with the LA goalkeeper. After a touch to get ahead of a defender, Musa slotted home his eighth goal of the season from outside the penalty box.
21’ – Offside! Joaquin Valiente sent a floating ball over the Galaxy defense, where Musa was able to get behind the defense and make an easy play for what appeared to be his second goal of the night. The play was called offside despite a fairly lengthy review period.
38’ – GOAL! This one counts! Musa gets his second of the night off a great ball from Chris Cappis. Logan Farrington picked off the ball in the midfield. He then played Cappis wide to the left of the penalty area. Cappis immediately played a ball back across the goal for Musa to slide in and finish for his ninth of the season.
43’ – Goal LA. Lucas Sanabria got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He took a couple of touches to get outside the penalty box before firing a shot that beat Michael Collodi at the near post.
45+4’ – Goal LA. Gabriel Pec got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He pulled the ball back a bit, which caught a pair of Dallas defenders. This allowed Joseph Painstil to get free behind the Dallas defense as Pec played him through inside the penalty area. Pec immediately smashed home a shot above Collodi to tie the game.
75’ – Another offside goal. This time on a corner kick for Dallas, after a scrum in the penalty box, Kaick hammered home what looked to be the go-ahead goal. But after a few seconds the flag was raised due to a deflection on Osaze Urhoghide, who was in an offside position.
Instant Reaction
Yeah, this is another disappointing result for this team. In a real way, it felt like the first half against Houston from last month. Dallas grabbed the lead, looked in control, but some defensive miscues opened the game up for the visitors to climb back.
With a double-game week coming up, this will certainly be another game where Dallas will wonder ‘what if’ more than anything else…especially when you factor in the two goals called off for offside.
About the Subs
Eric Quill went to his bench for the first time in the 66th minute, as he brought on Santiago Moreno for Logan Farrington. Quill went to his bench again 81st minute with Ran Binyamin and Nolan Norris coming on for Sebastien Ibeagha and Deedson. The final sub came during stoppage time with Herman Johansson and Joaquin Valiente coming off for Sam Sarver and rookie Nick Simmonds, who made his MLS debut.
Man of the Match
No question about it tonight, it has to be Musa.
Where does this fit into the season
As of this writing, the draw puts Dallas into a three-way tie for 5th place with Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Both are in action right now and look firmly in control of their games. I’d expect Dallas to be in 7th place by the end of the night.
What’s next for FC Dallas
Dallas wraps up a three-game homestand next Wednesday night as they host Minnesota United.
Dallas, TX
Akheem Mesidor selected by Cowboys by Blogging The Boys in SB Nation’s community mock draft
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Pass rush has been an issue since the Micah Parsons trade. The Rashan Gary trade helped, but Dallas still needs an injection of talent. Akheem Mesidor fits here because his body size allows for some versatility inside and out, something DC Christian Parker utilizes. Mesidor is also a high-motor player with a deep bag of pass rush moves.
His last season at Miami was full of disruption in the offensive backfield and he shows an all-around game, not just a bend-around-the-edge pass rusher. Yes, he’s a little older than you’d like in a rookie (25), but his motor, pass rush toolbox, and ability to play the run matches up with a need and makes him a quality pick at number 20.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Hosting Public Safety Response Symposium
The City of Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight is hosting a Public Safety Response Symposium to connect residents with public safety leaders. Here’s how to participate on May 9.
The Dallas Police Department posted to social media about the event on Friday afternoon. The post states, “Join public safety leaders for an inside look at how emergency and non-emergency calls are handled and how resources are deployed across Dallas.”
The symposium will be held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, 1403 Washington St., fro 11 a.m.-noon on May 9. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
Topics for the symposium include:
- How 911 calls are handled and dispatched
- How DPD uses specialized units and technology to improve response times
- When to use 311 for non-emergency services
- How crisis and behavioral health teams collaborate through alternative response strategies
There will also be a community Q&A forum where residents can engage directly with public safety leaders. Moderation will be provided.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux will offer the opening remarks. Featured speakers include 911 Communications Center Assistant Director Robert Uribe; Major of Police Anthony Greer; 311 Senior Outreach Specialist Stephen Walker; and Emergency Management & Crisis Response Director Kevin Oden.
When it comes to parking: Enter through Gate 2 and drive straight to the Pan Am Gate, and continue to the Briscoe Center (located on the left).
RSVP for the Public Safety Response Symposium here.
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