Dallas Cowboys‘ rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was taken into custody over the weekend for reckless driving in Collin County, Texas, on Sunday. In a statement to a Dallas reporter, police said a trooper spotted a vehicle being recklessly driven in the southbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway in Plano.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the trooper initiated a traffic stop to investigate, which ultimately led to the arrest of the driver, via the NFL Network’s Jane Slater. Beyond that, specifics remain unclear as the investigation is ongoing.

However, shortly after, jail records showed Donovan Ezeiruaku posted a $500 bond and was released the same day.

After the news broke, the Cowboys addressed the incident. Team officials said Monday night they were aware of the arrest and offered no further comment. Later on, the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the arrest as well.

As per Star Telegram, the arrest did not involve any weapons, substances, or violence. So, this might not be viewed as a grave situation by the league.

After reports surfaced, Donovan Ezeiruaku’s agent was among those who backed him up publicly on social media.

“He’s a great kid,” Andre Odom of Athletes First said. “Will learn from this.”

The Cowboys may have been hoping for a calmer offseason than usual. Yet with Ezeiruaku landing in a legal snag, it adds unwanted noise. The 22-year-old was drafted in the second round out of Boston College in 2025. He suited up for all 17 games in his rookie season and started nine of them. Numbers-wise, he finished the year with 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Another low point for Donovan Ezeiruaku came when he was ejected from the team’s final game of the season. Apparently, he had ripped off New York Giants lineman Greg Van Roten’s helmet in the second half. That incident significantly ended his rookie season early.

But moving forward, he is one of only two defensive ends on the Cowboys’ roster who will not be entering free agency this offseason, with James Houston being the other one.

Donovan Ezeiruaku has been vital to the Dallas Cowboys

At Chestnut Hill, Donovan Ezeiruaku terrorized ACC offenses, piling up 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in his senior year. Those numbers did not just lead the conference; they represented a defender who knew how to finish plays and set a tone.

Beyond stats, his presence has been felt inside the locker room since landing with the Cowboys.

“I think just the passion for the way he plays the game is real,” Brian Schottenheimer said back in December.

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The head coach went further, pointing to his edge against the run and adding,

“The way he plays the run is unique for a rookie that came out of [Boston College] as a known pass rusher, but the physicality that he plays with in the run game is very unique in my opinion. That’s why I think he’s going to be a star in this league.”

All signs point to Donovan Ezeiruaku lining up as a starting edge rusher when the Cowboys return to AT&T Stadium for 2026. Even if Dallas adds help in the draft, his role feels secure. Now, with the team away until April for voluntary workouts, the focus stays simple. Keep building, avoid distractions, and let the play do the talking.