Dallas Cowboys linebacker Charles Snowden has received a three-game suspension for the start of the 2026 NFL season. The league announced the decision, citing a DUI arrest from 2024 that was resolved through a plea agreement.
An NFL spokesperson confirmed the details of the suspension, which will affect the first three games of the Cowboys’ schedule. Snowden will miss the season opener against the New York Giants, the home opener against the Washington Commanders, and a subsequent home game versus the Baltimore Ravens.
DUI Resolution Details
In January, Snowden, who is 28, entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor DUI charge. His agreement included a $1,000 fine and mandatory attendance in coroner’s and DUI courses. If he fulfills these conditions, the DUI charge will be reduced to reckless driving.
Snowden remains eligible to participate in the preseason, which comprises three games. The suspension will be enacted once team rosters reach 53 players.
Career Highlights and Recent Moves
Snowden joined the Cowboys as a free agent following a minicamp invitation and subsequently signed with the team. He has previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Last year, Snowden recorded three sacks, 28 tackles, including five for loss, and an interception over 15 games, starting in nine.
Originally undrafted from Virginia, Snowden began his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 2021 but only appeared in two games. He did not play in the 2022 or 2023 seasons.