Another NFL player has fallen victim to the alarming string of robberies targeting league stars. Dallas Cowboys defender Linval Joseph’s Minnesota home was burglarized last month, making it at least the fourth known break-in involving an NFL player’s property since October.
A Growing Pattern of Crime
Joseph’s home was reportedly targeted on November 18, the same day the Cowboys faced a home loss to the Houston Texans. The incident follows similar break-ins at the Kansas City-area residences of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and more recently, the Ohio home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
The NFL has confirmed that these robberies are believed to be linked to a South American crime syndicate, prompting heightened concern across the league. Despite the troubling pattern, Joseph has opted not to comment publicly on the incident, unlike some of his fellow players.
A Wake-Up Call for NFL Stars
The break-ins have pushed security concerns to the forefront for many players. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose car was broken into last year, issued a stern warning to would-be criminals.
“It was a little too close for my comfort, with my family being in the house,” Tagovailoa said. “So we got personal security to take care of all of that. When we’re on the road, we’ve got someone with my wife, got someone also at the house, surveying the house.”
Tagovailoa added a chilling reminder: “Just let that be known. They are armed, so I hope that if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.”
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FBI Involvement
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the situation earlier this week, confirming that the league’s security department is working closely with the FBI to investigate the crimes. The federal involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation, as these burglaries appear to be part of a coordinated effort targeting high-profile athletes.
While the break-ins have yet to be resolved, the NFL is urging players and teams to take additional security measures, particularly during away games when homes are most vulnerable.
A Targeted Attack
The recent string of burglaries highlights a troubling trend for NFL players, many of whom are increasingly becoming targets for organized crime. With homes left unattended during game days, criminals see an opportunity to strike.
The targeting of Joseph, who is based in Minnesota after spending five years with the Vikings earlier in his career, adds to the list of victims, including Mahomes and Kelce in Kansas City and Burrow in Ohio. The interconnected nature of these incidents has further fueled speculation about a sophisticated operation behind the crimes.
No Resolution Yet
Despite the ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made in connection with the robberies. The NFL continues to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure player safety and address the vulnerabilities that have made stars like Joseph, Mahomes, and Kelce targets.
For now, the wave of break-ins serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by public figures, even in the supposed safety of their homes.
As players increase security measures and law enforcement intensifies its efforts, the league hopes to bring an end to this unsettling trend.
