Dallas Cowboys Rookie Defensive End Donovan Ezeiruaku Arrested in North Texas

FRISCO, Texas — January 12, 2026 — Dallas Cowboys second-year defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, the promising 2025 second-round draft pick who emerged as a key contributor on the team's defensive line this past season, was arrested over the weekend on a charge of reckless driving, according to Collin County jail records and multiple reports.

The 22-year-old Ezeiruaku was taken into custody by the Texas Department of Public Safety on Sunday, January 11, in North Texas. He was released the same day after posting a $500 bond, with additional unlisted conditions. Specific details surrounding the incident, including the location or circumstances leading to the charge, have not been publicly released by authorities.

The Cowboys organization issued a brief statement acknowledging awareness of the arrest but offered no further comment. Local reporters described the episode as an "uncharacteristic mistake" for Ezeiruaku, who has been praised for his professionalism and on-field maturity during his rookie campaign.

Selected 44th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Ezeiruaku arrived in Dallas with high expectations after a dominant senior season that saw him earn ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end, and consensus All-American recognition. He led the ACC with 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in 2024.

In his first NFL season, the 6-foot-2, 248-pound edge rusher appeared in all 17 games for the Cowboys, starting nine, and recorded 40 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and one safety. Despite the team's disappointing 7-9-1 finish and failure to reach the playoffs for a second straight year, Ezeiruaku was frequently highlighted by teammates and coaches as a rising star with significant upside alongside veterans like Micah Parsons.

The arrest comes just days after the conclusion of the regular season and amid an offseason where the Cowboys are already navigating coaching staff changes and roster evaluations. While reckless driving is typically classified as a misdemeanor in Texas, any legal issues involving NFL players can potentially trigger review under the league's personal conduct policy.

17GEN4.com