KaVontae Turpin has been one of Spring Football’s most motivating stories, since the return of the USFL in 2022. The former TCU Receiver has a well-traveled and well-documented journey to the NFL, spending time in Fan Control Football, The Spring League, the European League of Football, before putting together an MVP Season with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL, which led to him earning a 3-Year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

As Turpin heads into year Three of his NFL career, a lot has changed in his most likely for the better. He’ll earn $985,000 with Dallas in 2024 bringing his career earnings to 2.56 million. He’s welcomed a child with his Girlfriend in 2023, and overall, he looks to be a reformed man since his dismissal at TCU in 2018. However, one factor that is extremely relevant is Turpin is Three years older and will be a 29-Year-Old free agent come training camp in 2025.

It’s no secret that the NFL is an extremely competitive, combative, and taxing sport. The average NFL career is 3.3 years, with the average NFL salary being about 2.5 Mil per year (8.25 million over a “career”). While Turpin has dazzled since joining the Cowboys in 2022 and having an expanded role in the Offense in 2023 along with 2024, the future may not be so clear regarding a long-term contract in 2025.

Now this isn’t saying that Turpin won’t get signed in free agency, or even get extended by Dallas my point is simply stating the fact that one of Spring Football’s “Golden Boys” path to generational wealth is a long shot. If Turpin never plays football again his 2.5 Million (not including taxes, and agent fees) is on par with the average income earned by Americans in their lifetime per the bureau of labor.

While Turpin is off to a good start, for the ultimate goal of a second contract in the NFL his age is simply something that needs to be taken into consideration by NFL GMs. Specialist in the NFL is an extremely volatile position. One day you’re on top and another day you’re released, with teams constantly bringing in free agents to work out at your position. Turpin, whose helped himself out playing receiving more snaps on Offense hopefully sees this and is adapting in hopes of longevity.

What do I think happens to Turpin? I think he resigns with Dallas for 2 Years, 1.1 Mil/Yr. While this op-ed, may be harsh I do think it’s important to talk about. I root for all these players to eclipse generational wealth, in which they are able to retire at 30, in hopes of enjoying their lives with their families however, that may not always be the case.

For Turpin, who just scored his 5th career TD the stage is set for a prove-it year to show he’s worth several million dollars guaranteed. In his career Turpin has named a Pro-Bowler (2022), an All-American (2015), All-Big 12, (2017), and an MVP (2022 USFL), while decorating the internet with highlights upon highlights. After a strong 130-yard performance, that included his 60-yard punt return for a score, Turpin can hopefully build on a strong week 1 and continue to add value to his case for a long-term contract for not only him but his family.

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Patrick Rifino

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