Return specialist KaVontae Turpin was the sole player selected for the NFL All-Pro first team. The NFL All-Pro second-team included two Dallas selections: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and kicker Brandon Aubrey.

KaVontae Turpin, the Dallas Cowboys’ dynamic return specialist, made history by being the sole player from his team selected to the prestigious NFL All-Pro First Team. His selection highlighted not only his outstanding skills on special teams but also his invaluable contribution to the Cowboys’ overall performance in the 2024 season. Joining him in the All-Pro honors were two more Cowboys players who earned spots on the Second Team: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and kicker Brandon Aubrey. While Turpin’s inclusion was well-deserved and came as a reflection of his electrifying play, the recognition of Lamb and Aubrey underscored the Cowboys’ solid roster in both the offensive and special teams units.

KaVontae Turpin: The Lone All-Pro First-Team Selection

Turpin’s journey to becoming a first-team All-Pro is a testament to his incredible talent and relentless work ethic. Known for his explosive speed, agility, and ability to change the game with every return, Turpin played a pivotal role in Dallas’ special teams throughout the season. With the NFL evolving and special teams becoming more integral to the overall game, players like Turpin have gained increased recognition for their ability to make a significant impact in ways that don’t always show up in traditional stats.

Over the 2024 season, Turpin’s special teams play was nothing short of spectacular. His ability to flip field position with his return skills often gave Dallas a favorable starting point on offense, and he was a constant threat to break off a long return at any moment. His most notable achievements came in his electrifying punt and kick returns, where he consistently averaged well above league averages. Whether it was his ability to weave through tacklers or hit the accelerator at just the right moment, Turpin’s play in the return game set him apart from other specialists.

One of his standout performances came in a key game against a division rival, where his 90-yard kick return for a touchdown helped shift momentum in favor of the Cowboys at a crucial point in the game. This play was just one example of Turpin’s game-changing ability, as his contributions often transcended the statistics on the sheet and had a direct impact on the final score.

What truly made Turpin stand out was his consistency. As the season progressed, opposing teams grew increasingly wary of his return prowess, often kicking away from him or even attempting to kick the ball out of bounds to limit his impact. Despite this, Turpin’s awareness, speed, and vision allowed him to still be a game changer, making him a constant threat on the field.

Turpin’s place as the only first-team All-Pro selection for the Cowboys also speaks to the growing importance of return specialists in the NFL. Historically, these players have sometimes been overlooked, but Turpin’s performance proved that special teams can be just as crucial to a team’s success as offense and defense.

CeeDee Lamb: A Stellar Season on the Offensive Side

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s selection to the All-Pro Second Team was another well-deserved recognition of his continued evolution as one of the NFL’s top receivers. Lamb, who has been a key figure in the Cowboys’ offense since being drafted in 2020, put together an impressive 2024 season that showcased his exceptional route running, strong hands, and ability to make crucial plays in clutch moments.

Lamb finished the season with over 1,400 yards receiving and double-digit touchdowns, proving once again that he’s one of the most consistent and dangerous wideouts in the league. His ability to get open against top-tier cornerbacks, along with his knack for making big catches in important moments, allowed him to become quarterback Dak Prescott’s go-to target throughout the season. Lamb’s chemistry with Prescott has developed into one of the most reliable duos in the NFL, and their connection was vital to the Cowboys’ success on offense in 2024.

One of Lamb’s most notable performances came in a high-stakes late-season game where he totaled 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a critical 60-yard catch-and-run that helped set up the game-winning score. Plays like this were a regular occurrence for Lamb, as he consistently found ways to stretch the field and make plays in both the intermediate and deep passing game.

Lamb’s ability to consistently get open, even in tight coverage, showcased his elite route running, while his catch radius and ability to make spectacular grabs in contested situations set him apart. He demonstrated a perfect balance of quickness, power, and body control, making him a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators across the league.

While Lamb didn’t make the first-team All-Pro selection, his second-team honor is a testament to his elite status at wide receiver. It solidified his place as one of the premier players at his position and further entrenched his importance to the Cowboys’ offense.

Brandon Aubrey: Special Teams Consistency

Kicker Brandon Aubrey’s inclusion in the All-Pro Second Team may have come as a bit of a surprise to some, but it was certainly well-earned. Aubrey, who had been relatively unproven at the NFL level prior to the 2024 season, made a significant impact with his consistency and reliability. As the Cowboys’ primary kicker, he was tasked with making crucial kicks in both high-pressure moments and routine situations, and he passed the test with flying colors.

Aubrey’s ability to make kicks from both short and long range provided the Cowboys with a steady option at the position. He finished the season with an impressive field goal percentage, converting on nearly 90% of his attempts, and was especially reliable in the clutch. His leg strength was evident as well, as he converted on multiple 50+ yard field goals, proving his ability to contribute not just in the red zone, but from longer distances as well.

Perhaps Aubrey’s most impressive attribute was his mental fortitude. In a season filled with high stakes and playoff implications, Aubrey rarely showed signs of pressure. His calm demeanor and ability to come through in clutch moments made him a trusted weapon for the Cowboys’ offense, particularly in games that came down to the wire.

Aubrey’s steady performance also extended to extra points, where he proved to be one of the most accurate kickers in the league. His reliability not only helped the Cowboys score consistently, but it also contributed to the team’s ability to control the tempo of games. In many instances, Aubrey’s precision meant that the Cowboys could rely on him to add points in the form of field goals and extra points, thus avoiding missed opportunities in high-leverage situations.

The Impact on the Dallas Cowboys

Having three players earn All-Pro honors, including one first-team selection, is a significant achievement for the Dallas Cowboys and speaks to the overall strength of the roster. It highlights that the Cowboys have talent at multiple levels of their team, from special teams to offense. While the Cowboys were unable to capture the ultimate prize of a Super Bowl championship in 2024, these individual honors demonstrate that their roster is filled with talent capable of competing at the highest level.

The inclusion of Turpin, Lamb, and Aubrey on the All-Pro teams also speaks to the depth and versatility of the Cowboys’ squad. These three players, while excelling in different areas of the game, all played integral roles in Dallas’ successes, and their recognition was a testament to their hard work and commitment.

Turpin’s All-Pro selection, in particular, reinforced the importance of special teams in the modern NFL, reminding fans and analysts alike that plays made in the return game can be as crucial as any other aspect of the game. Lamb’s continued rise as one of the league’s top receivers solidified his status as a top-tier offensive weapon, while Aubrey’s accuracy and clutch kicking reminded everyone of the importance of having a reliable kicker in today’s NFL.