The Dallas Cowboys have long been known for taking chances on players with checkered pasts, a reputation solidified under owner Jerry Jones. From their dominant 1990s era to today, the franchise has often gambled on talent despite off-field red flags. Sometimes these risks pay off; other times, they backfire spectacularly. Over a dramatic 72-hour period in 2025, three former Cowboys players—all signed as second-chance prospects—found themselves in legal trouble, highlighting the team’s controversial history with such players.
A Troubling Trio
On Wednesday, Greg Hardy, a 2015 Cowboys signee, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a family member. Hardy’s tenure with Dallas followed his 2014 release from the Carolina Panthers after a domestic violence arrest. His time with the Cowboys was tumultuous, marked by missed meetings, clashes with coaches and teammates, and poor team chemistry. After Dallas, no NFL team signed him, and he transitioned to MMA, competing in the UFC from 2018 to 2022 before being released after three consecutive losses.
Early Saturday, Adam “Pacman” Jones, who played for Dallas in 2008, was arrested in Covington, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Booked around 2 a.m. into Kenton County jail, Jones faced charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place, disorderly conduct, and assault of a police or probation officer. Released on a $10,000 bond by 11:30 a.m., this marks at least his fourth arrest since 2021, including public intoxication charges three years running. Jones, now 41, had a rocky start with Dallas, playing only nine games before a suspension for fighting with a team-assigned bodyguard. He later revived his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2015 and a Pro Bowl nod in 2016.
Also in the early hours of Saturday, Kelvin Joseph, a 2021 second-round draft pick, was arrested in connection to a fatal car crash. Joseph, part of a talented draft class that included Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, had a troubled path to the NFL. Kicked off the LSU team, he transferred to Kentucky before being drafted. His Cowboys tenure was marred by his involvement in a 2021 bar fight that led to a murder, and he was traded before the 2023 season.
The Cowboys’ Risky Reputation
The Cowboys’ willingness to take on players with troubled histories has made them a lightning rod for criticism. While these arrests fuel the narrative of Dallas as a haven for problem players, the reality is more nuanced. NFL players have a lower arrest rate (2.5 per 100,000) compared to the general public (4,000 per 100,000). However, high-profile cases involving Cowboys players often dominate headlines, amplifying the perception that Dallas has a disproportionate share of troublemakers.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys navigate their 2025 season, these incidents serve as a reminder of the risks inherent in their roster-building philosophy. Fans eager to focus on football can check the team’s week-by-week schedule for 2025, complete with times and TV details, to follow their on-field journey. Meanwhile, the off-field drama surrounding Hardy, Jones, and Joseph underscores the fine line Jerry Jones walks in pursuit of talent.