FRISCO, Texas — After a stellar first season as a Pro Bowl kick returner in 2022, KaVontae Turpin went into year two in 2023 with an added offensive game that allowed him to take more snaps at his natural position.
The time to marinate in the building offensively last year allowed him to account for 237 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in the 2023 campaign, and while there is a big opportunity in front of him with more snaps available in the absence of Michael Gallup, he has been sure to still take time with family this offseason with two newborn daughters.
"It's been good," Turpin said. "Just been there for my kids. I had them right before the season, so I'm just trying to spend the offseason staying in shape and spending time with my family. Seeing them grow up, growing teeth in their mouth. It's a blessing just to be there."
Turpin has established himself in the building going into year three, and the confidence built has him in line to be even more of a receiving force for Dak Prescott in 2024.
"Going into year two of this offense, my year three, now it just feels like confidence," he said. "I go out there and play fast and everything. They can put me in any position and I'll just go in and play fast. I'm just glad I was able to do OTAs last year and this year. It helped me a lot to be the player that I am."
While there is a goal in mind on the offensive side of things for Turpin, he is still looking forward to expanding his skillset in the return game, especially with the implementation of the new kickoff rules in 2024. That, he says, is what has taken up a lot of time and effort so far this offseason with special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel.
"We're putting in so much work," he said. "Bones, just the guy that he is, a smart guy, he dedicates himself to loving it. He's doing things you wouldn't even expect on special teams. It's good having him on our side and having him to learn the new rule."
The new rule has the excitement built up for Turpin as he looks to separate himself among returners not only in today's game, but all-time.
"One of my goals is to try and make the Pro Bowl this year," he said. "I want to come out as one of the most dangerous returners in the history of the NFL. That's what I'm going into, especially with it being my contract year. I just want to prove people wrong and that I'm still here."
