The early morning calm in Richardson, Texas, was shattered Saturday when former NFL player Kelvin Joseph Jr. was arrested following a car crash that killed a 27-year-old motorcyclist.

Joseph, 25, is facing criminal charges after police say he was intoxicated when his car struck and killed Cody Morris, a woman riding a motorcycle along US-75 early Saturday morning, as People reports.

Authorities responded to the scene of the crash around 4:50 a.m. on June 7 on the 2400 block of the North Central Expressway in Richardson. The collision involved a BMW, driven by Joseph, and a motorcycle. The rider, identified as Cody Morris of Plano, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later confirmed that Joseph contacted the Plano Police Department to report his involvement in the crash. He was not at the crash site by the time Richardson officers arrived. The initial response effort found no other vehicles or people near the scene besides the wreckage.

Authorities note signs of intoxication

According to a statement from the Richardson Police Department, officers met with Joseph soon after he contacted Plano authorities. During that interaction, they observed indicators suggesting he may have been under the influence.

"While speaking with Joseph, officers observed signs of intoxication," the statement noted in part. The department also confirmed he was driving the BMW north on the expressway during the crash.

Joseph was taken into custody shortly after 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning. By 7:45 a.m., he was officially booked into the Richardson Police Department Jail. Police have not yet set a bond. He now faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated and a felony charge of collision involving death.

Former rising star in jeopardy

Before joining the United Football League (UFL), Joseph was best known for his time in the NFL. He was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, where he played a total of 26 games during his tenure.

After he was traded by the Cowboys in 2023, Joseph had short stints with several NFL teams. These included the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, and Indianapolis Colts, as well as time on the practice squads of the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.

Most recently, Joseph signed with the D.C. Defenders of the UFL. Just two weeks ago, on May 25, he played in a game against the Houston Roughnecks. His team is currently scheduled to play in the conference championship game against the St. Louis Battlehawks on June 8. It is unclear whether Joseph’s legal situation will affect team plans.

Past legal troubles resurface

Joseph’s name is not new to law enforcement. In March 2022, he was identified as a passenger in a vehicle connected to a deadly shooting in the Dallas area, which resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man.

During that investigation, police determined that Joseph was not the shooter. As a result, he was not charged, and the NFL did not issue a suspension at that time.

Nonetheless, the 2022 case shed light on the people Joseph associated with, prompting questions about his decision-making. Saturday’s incident revives these concerns and raises new ones, given the victim's death and the alleged intoxication circumstances.

Lessons to learn

1. Driving under the influence is never a safe choice: This case is a powerful reminder of the irreversible consequences that come with impaired driving. Choosing to drive while intoxicated not only endangers your life, but also the lives of everyone on the road, as tragically seen here.

2. Responsibility doesn't end with success: Even those who achieve professional acclaim, like Kelvin Joseph, are still accountable for their decisions. Fame and success do not exempt someone from making responsible choices or facing the full impact of their actions.

3. Always consider the lasting impact on victims: In any tragedy, it's vital to remember the person whose life was lost. Cody Morris, a 27-year-old woman from Plano, leaves behind grieving loved ones and a future that was cut short. Crime can happen to anyone, and no one should ever be blamed for being a victim.

Why this story matters

This incident underscores how quickly one poor decision can destroy lives, even among individuals with promising careers.

It acts as a reminder of the ongoing impact drunk driving has on communities nationwide.

As conversations about athlete conduct continue, stories like this prompt reflection on what accountability and prevention should look like.