Lucky Whitehead gets a shot with Jets after drama-fueled release from Cowboys

A bizarre week for Lucky Whitehead resulted in his release from the Dallas Cowboys, but the Jets weren’t scared away by the drama and scooped up the return specialist on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“I’m a great guy. I’m hardworking guy. I’m a great athlete. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t,” Whitehead told NFL Network’s Cole Wright on NFL Total Access Tuesday. “As far as the Cowboys organization, I appreciate them, for giving me the opportunity to be where I’m at today. Hopefully I can find me a new home and start over.”

The Jets gave him that new home on Wednesday.

Whitehead, 25, spent two seasons with the Cowboys after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2015. While listed as a wide receiver, Whitehead caught just nine passes and actually contributed more on offense with 20 rushing attempts for 189 yards. But his real value as a player comes from his ability as a return specialist.

He was the starting kick returner for the Cowboys for each of the past two seasons and took over punt returns duties from Cole Beasley midway through the 2015 season before handling punt returns full-time in 2016.

Whitehead’s release from the Cowboys appeared to have nothing to do with his play on the field. Dallas released him Monday, two days after veterans reported for training camp, after a roller coaster week that included the kidnapping of Whitehead’s dog and the issue of a warrant for the return specialist’s arrest.

A week before his eventual release, Whitehead claimed his dog, Blitz, had been kidnapped and was being held for $20,000 ransom. The dog was later returned by rapper Boogotti Kasino who said he purchased the dog and just wanted his money back.

But the incident that resulted in Whitehead’s release was an arrest warrant issued on Monday. Earlier in July, Whitehead was accused of shoplifting in Virginia, even though his agent claimed there was proof the return specialist wasn’t even in the state.

“I just wanted some time to clear my name,” Whitehead told Wright. “I think I deserve that a little bit ... It was just unfortunate how it all happened. I wish I got a chance to clear my name up.”

Police validated that claim Tuesday by dropping all charges and explaining that the man arrested had no identification, but provided Whitehead’s birth date and social security number. But that was one day after an arrest warrant was issued because Whitehead missed a court date and was subsequently released by the Cowboys.

At the end of it all, Whitehead was back where he started with a dog back in his possession and no legal troubles. But he was without a team before the Jets ended that.