In the realm of professional football, even the minor details can have enormous financial repercussions. If you don’t believe me, just look at the last decision by Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback Trevon Diggs to put rehab on his own prior to team workouts and cost him $500,000.
But was the reduction legitimate? Or was it an unwise deduction that disregarded the welfare of an athlete?
What Happened with Trevon Diggs?
Trevon Diggs, regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, was faced with a salary cut of $500,000 in 2025 after he didn’t meet a contractual obligation of attending a minimum of 84.375% of the offseason workout program for the Dallas Cowboys. Rather than meet the program down in Dallas, he rehabbed his knee in Miami — thus placing him in violation of the clause (again, no matter the justification).
The Official Explanation
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones stated the cut was not personal.
Actual Data: How Frequently Do These Clauses Appear?
Workout bonuses and requirements are prevalent in the NFL:
In 2024, more than 70% of players had some type of offseason participation clause.
Total bonuses tend to range from $200,000 to $1 million, based on performance and player seniority.
Players who perform their rehab off-site lose their bonuses 35% of the time based on data from Spotrac.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why would Trevon Diggs lose out on $500,000?
He lost out because he was not available for the required 84.375% of the Cowboys’ offseason workout program due to rehabbing in Miami for the entirety of the offseason, and that triggered a contractual penalty. - Was Trevon Diggs hurt?
Yes, he was recovering from an ACL tear from 2023, which did not allow him to play again that season. - Do other NFL players have similar clauses in their contracts?
Absolutely. The majority of contracts for players have workout or participation clauses along with financial incentives. - Is this common for NFL players to rehab outside team facilities?
Yes. A lot of people use specialized centers and personal trainers to rehab instead of team facilities in order to receive personalized services. - Did the Cowboys have to penalize Trevon Diggs?
Technically, yes, according to Jones, they had to penalize him due to contracts and obligations. - Will this matter for Trevon Diggs in the future, with the Cowboys?
Probably not. As long as he comes back to form, the player has said publicly that the Cowboys will keep the player. - What can fans learn from this situation?
Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, consistency, accountability, and wise recovery decisions are keys to indefinite performance.
