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Cowboys sign second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku after league-wide standoff

The Dallas Cowboys made a decisive move this week, officially signing second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku after a high-stakes battle for his services across the league. The rookie edge rusher, who drew interest from several teams following his standout collegiate career, now brings his talents to a Cowboys roster eager for a defensive spark.

Cowboys rookie Ezeiruaku remains unsigned as 2nd rounders revolt

The context for this signing goes beyond a typical rookie deal. With multiple franchises in need of pass-rushing help, Ezeiruaku became a hot commodity after the draft, fueling speculation and competition among NFL front offices. The Cowboys front office moved quickly and aggressively, ensuring that Ezeiruaku would be wearing the star in Dallas instead of lining up against them.

2025 NFL Draft Profile: Boston College Defensive End Donovan Ezeiruaku

During his college career at Boston College, Ezeiruaku recorded 19.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss, earning First-Team All-ACC honors in 2023. He was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award and was recognized as one of the most disruptive defenders in his conference. These achievements made him one of the most coveted prospects in this year’s draft class.

Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku ready for the NFL

Negotiations for Ezeiruaku’s rookie deal reflected just how much the Cowboys value his potential. The contract is reportedly valued at $8.2 million over four years, including a $3 million signing bonus and $5.5 million guaranteed—signaling the team’s strong commitment to their young pass rusher. Dallas prioritized securing his signature, knowing how critical it is to inject youth and playmaking ability into their defense.

Donovan Ezeiruaku opens up about first minicamp, Micah's influence

As the dust settles from this league-wide pursuit, all eyes will be on Ezeiruaku’s first steps in a Cowboys uniform. For Dallas, it’s another bold step in the ongoing quest for a championship, and for Ezeiruaku, it’s the beginning of a journey with high expectations and the brightest of spotlights.

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Former Cowboys QB Charged for Attacking Truck Driver Who ‘Thought He Was Going to Be Killed’
Former NFL star Mark Sanchez has been charged with three misdemeanors in relation to the incident in which he was stabbed and taken to hospital in Indianapolis.  Sanchez, a nine-year NFL quarterback-turned-Fox TV analyst, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries after being stabbed in a dispute with a food delivery truck driver in the early hours of Saturday morning. However, in a shocking turn of events, the 38-year-old was arrested in his hospital bed by Indianapolis police.  Sanchez has now been charged with battery with injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry of a vehicle, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced Sunday morning.    An initial hearing has been scheduled for 8:30am ET with bond set for $300. 'This incident should never have happened,' Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement issued Sunday. 'What began as a disagreement between a 38-year-old former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead.'   Former NFL star Mark Sanchez has been charged with three misdemeanors    He was reportedly stabbed in the chest during a dispute with a food delivery driver at Loughmiller's Pub & Eatery in downtown Indianapolis (pictured)   Sanchez allegedly accosted the truck driver, who believed he was in danger, at a loading dock, according to ESPN.  As the confrontation escalated, the truck driver, out of fear, is said to have sprayed Sanchez in the face with pepper spray.  Sanchez reportedly continued to advance towards the driver, who thought the former quarterback was 'trying to kill me' and pulled a knife and struck him 'two or three times.'  The truck driver said he was then thrown against a dumpster, leaving him to believe he was in a 'life-or-death situation,' before a 'look of shock' came over Sanchez's face and he took off.    Sanchez reportedly told a police officer that 'all he could remember was grabbing for a window.' He added that he didn't know who stabbed him or where the incident occurred.   He is said to have sustained multiple stab wounds to his right torso. The driver also suffered a laceration on his left cheek and was taken to a different hospital than Sanchez for treatment.  Fox Sports presenter Charissa Thompson addressed the incident during the network's NFL Kickoff program on Sunday but did not acknowledge the charges filed against her colleague.  'Friday night in Indianapolis, one of our team members, Mark Sanchez, was involved in an incident that we are still trying to wrap our heads around,' the sportscaster said.      Sanchez, who is married to actress Perry Mattfield, is now recovering in a stable condition 'At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all of those involved.'   Sanchez had traveled the Midwest city to call Sunday's Colts-Raiders game for Fox Sports but will now not perform his broadcasting duties. According to Front Office Sports , Sanchez will be replaced in the booth by another ex-quarterback, former Notre Dame star Brady Quinn. Quinn's play-by-play partner for the game will be Chris Myers.   Fox Sports PR said Saturday in a statement: 'Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition. We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support.   'Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family's privacy during this time. Indianapolis police said on Saturday that they were investigating an altercation between two men that took place at around 12:30am.    In response to the events, Chief Chris Bailey of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said: 'Proud of our IMPD officers and detectives who stayed focused on our mission and not the noise.   'Their professionalism represents the best of our department. IMPD will continue to be a steady, reliable presence in our city because our community deserves nothing less.'   The former New York Jets star was set to call the Colts-Raiders game on Sunday for Fox Sports     Mark and his wife Perry have twins together, while he also has an eight-year-old son, Daniel (center), from a previous relationship  Sanchez is married to American actress Perry Mattfeld, and the couple have two children together after Perry gave birth to twins in March. Sanchez also has an eight-year-old son, Daniel, from one of his previous relationships.   The former quarterback played 10 seasons in the NFL, including four with the Jets after they selected him with the fifth overall pick in 2009. He later spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the then-Washington Redskins and the Chicago Bears as a backup.