Charles Snowden Suspended for DUI Incident

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Charles Snowden has received a three-game suspension for the start of the 2026 NFL season, as reported by the league’s trade wire. This decision was confirmed by an NFL representative following Snowden’s DUI arrest in 2024, from which he recently settled after agreeing to a plea deal.

As a result of the suspension, Snowden will miss the Cowboys’ opening game against the New York Giants, their home opener versus the Washington Commanders, and another home matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. On a positive note, he can still participate in the Cowboys’ preseason, which includes three games. However, the suspension will officially begin once the NFL roster is reduced to 53 players.

The 28-year-old Snowden entered a plea agreement in January related to his DUI charge from 2024. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor drunk driving charge, which came with a $1,000 fine along with mandatory participation in an educational course related to drunk driving.

In light of this plea agreement, it’s worth noting that if Snowden adheres to the prescribed conditions, the charge could potentially be downgraded to reckless driving. He was part of the minicamp this offseason, underwent a tryout, and subsequently signed with the Cowboys as a free agent.

Snowden, who went undrafted from Virginia in 2021, initially signed with the Chicago Bears. His playing time has been limited; he participated in only two games previously and did not see any action during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Most recently, he played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and 2025, experiencing his best season last year with three sacks, 28 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and an interception across 15 games, of which nine were starts.