Logo

Rookie WR turns down lucrative endorsement deal over stimulant product that could damage Cowboys’ image

Rookie WR turns down lucrative endorsement deal over stimulant product that could damage Cowboys’ image

While many NFL rookies scramble for endorsement opportunities and branding deals, one rising name in Dallas is gaining admiration for going against the grain. Traeshon Holden, a rookie wide receiver currently turning heads at Cowboys training camp, has reportedly turned down a high-paying sponsorship deal — not because of money, but because of values.

Sources within the organization confirm that Holden was approached by a global energy supplement company offering a 12-month contract worth over $1.2 million. The deal centered around promoting a performance-enhancing supplement — one that, while technically legal, has been flagged by several health organizations for containing borderline stimulant compounds.

Article image

Despite the financial upside, Holden declined the offer outright, citing concerns over the image it could project — not just for himself, but for the Cowboys franchise.

“Every decision I make right now affects more than just me. It reflects on the Cowboys — the team that gave me this shot. I can’t allow anything I endorse to damage the reputation of this organization,” Holden reportedly said.

The move quickly drew praise from coaches and teammates alike. One team insider put it simply:

“The kid hasn’t even made the final roster yet, but he’s already showing the mindset of a pro. That kind of maturity — you can’t coach that. It’s who he is.”

Holden has already been gaining attention for his on-field performance, particularly in red zone drills and crisp route running. With the maturity he’s showing off the field, he’s positioning himself not just as a potential roster lock — but as a cultural leader for the Cowboys’ next generation.

In an era where fame and money often overshadow tradition and principle, a rookie choosing to put the team’s reputation ahead of a million-dollar endorsement is becoming increasingly rare. And in Dallas — where the star on the helmet still means something — Holden’s decision is a strong reminder that some players still believe in protecting it.

Steelers Guard Suffers Serious Knee Injury in Practice, Likely Out for Week 3
Pittsburgh, PA — September 18, 2025 The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line took another hit on Wednesday when guard Max Scharping suffered a significant knee injury during practice, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The injury, feared to be serious, adds to the team’s mounting challenges as they prepare for a pivotal Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. Scharping, who was limited in practice before the injury, will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage. While it remains unclear whether this is a new injury or an aggravation of a prior issue, early reports suggest he will miss a substantial period, likely ruling him out for Sunday’s game. The Steelers, sitting at 1-1 after a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, are already grappling with a struggling offensive line that has allowed seven sacks on quarterback Aaron Rodgers through two weeks. Scharping, a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Northern Illinois, has yet to play in a game for Pittsburgh this season. As one of 10 offensive linemen on the roster, he has been a gameday inactive, serving as a versatile depth piece capable of playing multiple positions. The Steelers signed Scharping in October 2024 from the Washington Commanders’ practice squad after injuries decimated their offensive line. His ability to fill in at guard or tackle made him a valuable asset, though he primarily served as the ninth lineman and first-team inactive last season. Before joining Pittsburgh, Scharping started 33 games in the NFL, mostly with the Houston Texans from 2019 to 2021. When a new regime led by former Patriots executive Nick Caserio took over in Houston, Scharping was released after training camp in 2022. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off waivers, and he spent two seasons there before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in June 2024, only to be cut before the final roster was set. The loss of Scharping exacerbates concerns about Pittsburgh’s offensive line, already criticized for its inconsistency. Players like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have struggled, while veteran Isaac Seumalo appears to be regressing. The unit’s woes have left Rodgers, the NFL’s most-sacked quarterback (578 career sacks), vulnerable, and the team’s run game, led by Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson, has been stifled. With injuries also plaguing the defense—linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs), Alex Highsmith (ankle), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), and DeShon Elliott (MCL sprain)—the Steelers are leaning on recent additions like linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and safety Jabrill Peppers to bolster depth. Fans on X expressed frustration, with one post stating, “Another injury? This O-line is a disaster!” Head coach Mike Tomlin remained stoic, saying, “We adapt and move forward. No excuses.” As the Steelers face the Patriots, who ran for 122 yards in their Week 2 win, Scharping’s absence could force rookies like Zach Frazier to step up. With the AFC North race heating up, Pittsburgh must navigate this latest setback to keep their playoff hopes alive.