Charles Snowden is currently playing as a linebacker and defensive end in the NFL. Coming out of the University of Virginia, he was left as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He later joined the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was released from this offseason.
Ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys signed him and gave him a three-year contract. But it looks like he will face a major issue before even playing his first game.
Cowboys’ Charles Snowden suspended for first three games of 2026 season
Snowden signed with the Cowboys in June 2026, after a tryout during mandatory minicamp. Before even playing a single game for the franchise, the NFL has suspended the defensive end for the first three regular-season games of 2026. The decision was announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell via the league’s transaction wire on July 14, 2026.
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
He will still be eligible to participate in all preseason activities, and the suspension starts after the teams will be reduced to 53 players. The wire said, “Snowden will be eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games, as his suspension will take effect when the roster is reduced to 53 players.”
The suspension stems from a December 9, 2024, arrest in Las Vegas, when Snowden was still with the Raiders. Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. They found him unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a Jeep Cherokee with the engine running and the vehicle in neutral, balanced on a retaining wall.
#Cowboys DE Charles Snowden, who was recently signed by Dallas, has been suspended three games to start the 2026 season by Commissioner Roger Goodell. pic.twitter.com/Tqra2I2OUM
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 14, 2026
His blood-alcohol content measured approximately 0.19%, more than twice Nevada’s legal limit of 0.08%. He faced a misdemeanor DUI charge (first offense).
Back in January 2026, the player entered a no-contest plea. The court have him a $1,000 fine and told him to complete other terms which included DUI school, victim impact panel, and coroner’s program. If completed successfully, the charge will be reduced to reckless driving.
Cowboys’ Charles Snowden punished according to NFL rules
The NFL has become quite strict with its rules for the players, and has initiated harsh penalties for those who break those rules. Even if the player is not legally charged, they can investigate the player’s action themselves, and pass their own judgement. Snowden’s suspension was done according to the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. A first alcohol-related offense typically results in a three-game suspension absent aggravating factors. As it was his first offense, he got off lightly.
He will now miss the first three games of the season against the New York Giants, the Washington Commanders, and the Baltimore Ravens. He will be available to play in the Week 4 game against the Houston Texans.
It remains to be seen what else happens in the case of Charles Snowden.
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