Malik Davis Drug Test Sparks Debate After Cowboys RB’s Surprise Breakout vs. Chiefs

The Dallas Cowboys earned a thrilling 31-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving. Running back Malik Davis was a surprise star, scoring a crucial 43-yard touchdown. After the game, Davis revealed the NFL selected him for a random drug test.

The timing sparked immediate discussion among fans and analysts. According to CBS Sports, Davis confirmed the test in a post-game interview. The league’s protocol often targets players after unexpectedly standout performances.

NFL’s Post-Performance Testing Protocol Under Scrutiny

The NFL’s drug testing policy is a year-round program. Players can be selected at any time, including immediately after games. This practice, while standard, often draws attention when a little-known player has a breakout moment.

For Davis, the test came on the biggest stage of his career. His touchdown run gave Dallas a lead they would not relinquish. The running back has spent most of the 2025 season on the practice squad.

His performance was a testament to persistence. Davis has been waived and re-signed multiple times this year alone. The touchdown was just the second of his four-year career with the Cowboys.

A Human Story Behind the Headlines

The incident highlights the human side of professional sports. Players work for years for a moment in the spotlight. An immediate administrative follow-up can feel dismissive of that achievement.

Industry voices, including analysts from NFL Network, note these tests are rarely failed. The program is designed as a deterrent and for integrity. Yet the optics of testing an underdog immediately after success are often criticized.

For fans, Davis’s story is one of resilience. He has remained a popular figure through multiple roster moves. This game, and the subsequent test, cements his place in a unique NFL narrative.

Malik Davis’s journey from the practice squad to game-changer—and then a drug test—encapsulates the surreal realities of professional football. His performance against the Chiefs proves that preparation meets opportunity, even if the league’s response is a predictable protocol.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Why did Malik Davis get drug-tested after the game?

The NFL conducts random, year-round performance-enhancing drug tests. Players who have unexpectedly standout games are sometimes selected, as the league’s protocol aims to test without advance notice.

Has Malik Davis played for the Cowboys before?

Yes. Davis is in his fourth season with the Dallas organization. He has primarily been a practice squad member, appearing in sporadic regular-season games since 2022.

What was Malik Davis’s stat line against the Chiefs?

Davis had 4 carries for 51 yards, including a decisive 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. His score gave the Cowboys a 17-14 lead.

Do players often fail these post-game drug tests?

No, failures are relatively rare. The testing program is largely considered a successful deterrent, with only a handful of suspensions announced each season across the entire league.

Was the Cowboys’ win significant for their season?

Absolutely. Beating the defending champion Chiefs on national television is a major statement. It improves their playoff positioning and builds momentum for the final stretch of the season.