KaVontae Turpin gave Cowboys fans a Christmas moment to remember - and etched his name into NFL holiday history in the process.
With Dallas up 14-3 in the second quarter against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys faced a 3rd-and-11 deep in their own territory. That’s when Dak Prescott dropped back, surveyed the field, and let it fly.
Turpin turned on the afterburners, blowing past the secondary and hauling in an 86-yard bomb for the touchdown. Just like that, the Cowboys extended their lead to 21-3 - and Turpin set a new NFL record for the longest touchdown in a Christmas Day game.
It was the kind of play that showcased exactly what Turpin brings to the table when he gets the chance: elite speed, explosive potential, and the ability to change a game in one snap. And for a player who’s had a frustrating 2025 campaign, it had to feel like a long-overdue breakthrough.
A Season That Hasn’t Gone According to Plan
Turpin’s fourth season in the league was supposed to be his breakout. After signing a three-year, $18 million extension in the offseason, expectations were high. He wasn’t just a return specialist anymore - the Cowboys were banking on him becoming a bigger piece of the offense.
But under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, that expanded role never quite materialized. Through his first 13 games of the season, Turpin was averaging just 23.8 receiving yards per game - barely a tick below last year’s 24.7 - and had only one touchdown catch to his name before Christmas. That’s a far cry from the “fabulous year” Schottenheimer predicted back in August, when he praised Turpin’s versatility and hinted at a more dynamic role in the passing game.
“We kind of moved CeeDee [Lamb] outside, and Turp went inside,” Schottenheimer said at the time. “Those guys are a little interchangeable.
I think he’s going to have a fabulous year. I really do, in every facet.”
But as the season unfolded, it became clear that the Cowboys’ offensive evolution leaned more heavily on another wideout - George Pickens.
The Pickens Effect
Dallas acquired Pickens in a trade with the Steelers back in May, and that move has paid off in a big way. By Week 17, Pickens ranked third in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,342 - a clear sign that he’s become a focal point of the offense. And while Pickens’ emergence has been a major win for the Cowboys, it’s also meant fewer opportunities for Turpin to carve out a consistent role.
That’s not to say Turpin doesn’t still have value. Plays like his 86-yard touchdown are proof that when he’s involved, he can be a game-breaker. The challenge for Dallas moving forward will be figuring out how to tap into that more consistently.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead to 2026, the Cowboys would be wise to revisit how they’re using Turpin. The speed is still there.
The playmaking ability is still real. And with the right packages and matchups, Turpin could become more than just a situational weapon - he could be a legitimate threat in a loaded offense.
For now, though, he’ll have to settle for a little piece of NFL history and a holiday highlight that won’t soon be forgotten. On a day when the Cowboys looked every bit like contenders, KaVontae Turpin reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when given the chance.