Just three years ago, the Dallas Cowboys took a Day 3 flier when they selected running back Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
After two seasons with the Cowboys, though, Vaughn was released when Dallas trimmed down its roster prior to the 2025 campaign. Just a few days later, Vaughn accepted his next opportunity when the Denver Broncos brought him in as a practice squad member.
Now, less than a year after joining the Broncos, Vaughn has been waived.
The former Kansas State standout now searches for his third team as he is hopeful to enter his fourth season as a pro.
Deuce Vaughn's career may be coming to a crossroads, but he'll always have the memorable Dallas Cowboys draft moment
Cowboys fans might remember the moment Vaughn was drafted three years ago. In fact, I would venture to guess the majority of tuned-in Cowboys fans will never forget it.
Deuce's father, Chris Vaughn, has worked for the Cowboys since 2017 when he came aboard as a collegiate scout. When the Cowboys knew they were going to select his son in 2023, Jerry Jones and company allowed Vaughn to make the memorable phone call.
Of course, the video of this moment caught fire on social media and became every football fan's favorite draft memory from the weekend. And how could it not? This is the stuff football fans live for. This is much more than just football.
Now, fast forward three years, and Vaughn is out searching for another opportunity to try and keep his career alive.
During his time with the Cowboys, Vaughn appeared in a total of 14 games while rushing for 110 yards on 40 carries. He added 10 receptions on 12 targets for 58 yards. To date, Vaughn is still looking for his first-ever NFL touchdown.
It is a stark reminder for so many out there that, even though you're drafted into the NFL, it is no guarantee you're going to stick around. After being a workhorse in college, Vaughn immediately had to accept a back-seat type of role in the league.
At Kansas State, Vaughn took a total of 651 carries over three seasons and amassed over 3,600 yards to go with 34 touchdowns on the ground. Through the air, he was also a threat, as he caught 116 passes for 1,280 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
Hopefully, for Vaughn's sake, he is able to catch on with another team, and soon. At just 24 years old, he could have plenty of football ahead of him.
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