FRISCO, TX – It was official as of Wednesday morning, KaVontae Turpin will wear no. 9 in Dallas. Turpin is the first offensive player to wear no. 9 since Tony Romo and first receiver in franchise history to wear no. 9
“Turpin time” is now a favorite phrase commonly used in Dallas after Turpin had an explosive game for the Cowboys, returning two touchdowns giving Dallas a win over the L.A. Chargers.
KaVontae Turpin was an unknown name in the NFL before he ran for 184 yards for those two return touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 155 pound punt returner was officially on the radar after the NFL Twitter wrote “Do not kick the ball to KaVontae Turpin” in their Twitter bio following that game.
Turpin’s size gives him the ability to be explosively fast around defenders and find the holes in the open field. He told us in recent practices that speed kills and he plans to use that to his advantage.
“I got the heart of a lion,” Turpin told the CBS broadcast during a sideline interview. “So I’m just trying to use my speed, use my ability that God gave me to my advantage.”
“Return man, that’s what I do,” Turpin said. “I’m a specialty guy. I’m here to prove to everybody I’m a true receiver. Special teams is what I do, I can wake up and do that. I’m here to prove to everybody that I’m a true receiver.”
When we spoke to special teams coordinator Bones Fassel, he said “The secret is out, and he is going to be very good.”
After his showcase against the Chargers McCarthy expressed to the media that he believed Turpin worked hard enough and showed that he belongs to be here and they are letting Turpin take receiver reps in practice.
Turpin will be on special teams this week against Tampa Bay, that is a given. But what will be a real surprise is if Turpin takes some reps at receiver and uses his speed to shake off the cornerbacks getting some points on the board for Dallas. That is something I don’t think anyone is ready for but it certainly isn’t too far fetched for the raining USFl MVP.
