Heartbreak on Highway 75: Former Cowboys Cornerback Kelvin Joseph Jr. Arrested in Crash That Killed Motorcyclist Cody Morris
DALLAS, TX — A devastating early-morning crash on U.S. Highway 75 has left a Texas family shattered and a former NFL star behind bars. Kelvin Joseph Jr., a former Dallas Cowboys cornerback and current player for the DC Defenders in the United Football League (UFL), has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal motorcycle accident that took the life of 27-year-old Cody Morris.
The collision occurred around 2:15 a.m. Saturday near Walnut Hill Lane, according to the Dallas Police Department. Authorities say Joseph was behind the wheel of a luxury SUV traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck Morris from behind. Morris, who was riding a motorcycle and wearing a helmet, was ejected onto the roadway. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Witnesses described the impact as “violent and sudden,” with debris scattering across multiple lanes. The northbound side of Highway 75 was shut down for several hours as investigators documented the scene and interviewed witnesses. Early findings suggest that reckless driving and speed were major contributing factors in the crash.
Kelvin Joseph Jr., 24, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. He was later taken into custody on charges that include vehicular manslaughter. Authorities have not ruled out the involvement of alcohol or drugs and are awaiting the results of toxicology reports.
Joseph, once considered a rising star in the NFL, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2021 draft. After a rocky tenure marked by both injuries and off-field issues, he transitioned to the UFL where he had recently been gaining momentum with the DC Defenders.
The United Football League issued a brief statement Saturday:
“We are aware of the serious incident involving Kelvin Joseph Jr. and are monitoring the situation closely. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.”
The victim, Cody Morris of Garland, was an electrician and motorcycle enthusiast known for his kind heart and love for the open road. His family and friends are devastated by the sudden loss.
“He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said his cousin, Jenna Morris. “We can’t understand how this happened. He was just on his way home.”
A candlelight vigil is being planned in Garland, where the Morris family has lived for generations. An outpouring of support has flooded social media, with friends describing Cody as a “gentle soul” who lived life with passion and integrity.
Joseph’s legal team has not released a public statement, but sources close to the athlete say he is “emotionally crushed” and is cooperating fully with authorities.
If convicted of vehicular manslaughter, Joseph could face a significant prison sentence under Texas law — potentially up to 20 years, depending on the outcome of the investigation and any aggravating factors.
This tragedy comes as a painful reminder of the consequences of split-second decisions on the road. While one family prepares to bury a beloved son, another must grapple with the fallout of a promising career now hanging in the balance.
The Dallas Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area to contact investigators as the case continues to unfold.