The Dallas Cowboys’ 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders ended in absolute chaos, and KaVontae Turpin was at the heart of it. His jaw-dropping 99-yard kickoff return touchdown in the final minutes not only sealed the victory but left fans and teammates in awe—and a bit breathless.
One of the best reactions came from cornerback Jourdan Lewis, whose post-game comments perfectly captured what every Cowboys fan was thinking after witnessing Turpin’s brilliance.
A Play for the Ages
With just over two minutes left and the Commanders clawing back into the game, Turpin delivered a moment that will be etched into highlight reels for years. After letting the kickoff bounce between his legs and roll to the 1-yard line, Turpin picked up the ball with one hand, spun past Washington’s coverage team, and dashed 99 yards to the end zone.
“Once I hit the spin move and I got through, I knew for sure it was a touchdown,” Turpin said, via Cowboys reporter Tommy Yarrish.
According to Next Gen Stats, Turpin hit a top speed of 21.35 mph, the third-fastest on a kickoff return this season. It was also his third appearance in the top 20 fastest ball-carrier speeds of 2024, tying him with Saquon Barkley for the most in the league.
Jourdan Lewis’ Perfect Reaction
Lewis led the charge of teammates praising Turpin after the game. In a way only Lewis could, he offered a backhanded compliment that summed up the play—and the collective reaction of Cowboys fans everywhere.
It was a moment that felt both audacious and nerve-wracking. Turpin’s spin move at his own 10-yard line was risky, but it worked to perfection, evading six Commanders special teams gunners and opening a massive running lane.
Only a psychopath can be this calm and do this… https://t.co/I86gch2awF
— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) November 24, 2024
A Long Time Coming
Turpin has been threatening to break a kickoff return all season, and now he’s finally done it. The 28-year-old’s composure and creativity under pressure were on full display. From picking up the ball with one hand to executing a highlight-reel spin move, Turpin showcased why he’s one of the most electrifying returners in the league.
His touchdown, combined with the Cowboys’ defensive resilience and offensive execution, helped Dallas secure a much-needed win and keep their season alive.
Final Thoughts
KaVontae Turpin’s incredible play was the exclamation point on a wild finish that Cowboys fans won’t soon forget. As Dallas shifts focus to their Thanksgiving matchup against the New York Giants, Turpin’s ability to change a game in an instant could be a weapon the team leans on moving forward.
For now, though, it’s safe to say every Cowboys fan—and teammate—still hasn’t caught their breath.