Former Panthers RB Arrested Days After Release Amid Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct
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November 4, 2025
Just days after being released by the Carolina Panthers, former running back DeeJay Dallas was arrested in uptown Charlotte on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to multiple local reports.
“Three days at the bar” before the arrest
Witnesses say Dallas had been seen at a local bar for three consecutive days following his release from the Panthers on November 1. He often sat alone at the counter for hours, appearing tired and despondent while drinking heavily. One patron described him as “a man who looked lost, like he didn’t know where else to go.”
Police were called around 10 p.m. on November 3 after reports of a man yelling, slamming tables, and causing a disturbance. When officers arrived, Dallas allegedly resisted instructions and became aggressive, leading authorities to detain him at the scene.
Panthers once had high hopes, but his opportunity ended too soon
At 26, DeeJay Dallas was expected to add depth to the Panthers’ backfield this season after being signed as a reserve player. However, he logged only one carry and six return attempts in two games before being released to make room for guard Chandler Zavala on the active roster.
A team source described Dallas as a hardworking, team-oriented player who was well-liked within the locker room, but suggested that the sudden release may have taken a heavy emotional toll.
“He’s always been the type to give everything he has,” the source said. “The release hit him hard, maybe harder than anyone realized.”
While the organization has not issued an official statement, head coach Dave Canales briefly addressed the incident during Tuesday’s press conference.
“We’re heartbroken to hear about this,” Canales said. “DeeJay was always respectful and brought great energy to our locker room. I just hope he gets the help and support he needs to find his balance again.”
Dallas has since been released on bail, while the case remains under investigation. Several former teammates have reportedly reached out to offer support, even as his future in the NFL now appears uncertain.
“Everyone stumbles at some point, what matters is finding the strength to stand back up,” a former Panthers player said.
The NFL: where the line between glory and collapse is razor thin
Analysts have called Dallas’s situation a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of professional football, a world where one decision, one mistake, or one emotional setback can derail a career overnight.
From the bright lights of the field to the dim corner of a quiet bar, sometimes that fall takes only a few days.
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