Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin plays defense, sacks Russell Wilson in Pro Bowl Games

KaVontae Turpin is known to NFL fans as arguably the best punt/kick returner in football. But in the Pro Bowl Games, Turpin doesn’t have the opportunity to show off his skills in the return game.

Instead, NFC head coach Eli Manning chose to enlist his services on defense. Turpin has serious speed, so Manning decided to give him some run as a pass rusher. And not only did the Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowler get in the game but he made an immediate impact, sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.

KaVontae Turpin the pass rush specialist 💪

📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/oqyRFHBIyC

— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2025

Without having blockers on the field, quarterbacks are guaranteed to have a tough time when a rusher as fast as Turpin comes their way. The 36-year-old Wilson tried to get away but was no match for Turpin.

KaVontae Turpin one of several Cowboys in Pro Bowl

Turpin, 28, is back in the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career. He earned a First Team All-Pro honor as a kick returner this season, taking one back for six and recording a league-high 904 return yards on 27 attempts. Turpin was also effective as a punt returner, housing one and tallying 187 yards on 18 returns.

“I’m grateful man, thank the Lord,” Turpin said last month. “Two years out of my three years here, I’m just grateful to show my ability on special teams. I’m grateful.”

He added: “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. 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.”

The Cowboys are well represented in Orlando. In addition to Turpin, receiver CeeDee Lamb, linebacker Micah Parsons, guard Tyler Smith and kicker Brandon Aubrey all made the Pro Bowl this season.