Cowboys' Isaac Alarcon opens up about challenge to make roster after switch to defensive line

For the first time in his professional career, Cowboys lineman Isaac Alarcon is facing the prospect of a cut this offseason. Although he joined the Dallas roster as part of the International Player Pathway Program three years ago, this is the first year that he is no longer covered by the program’s roster relief.

In the past, Alarcon could be on the practice squad without counting against the roster total. That’s no longer the case. In addition, the former lineman is now with the defensive line after the coaching staff opted to make the switch after the 2022 season.

In an interview with Dallas Morning News‘ Abraham Nudelstejer, Alarcon opened up about his vulnerability and the extra challenge of trying to make the roster at a new position.

“In years past, I felt I had a parachute,” Alarcon said. “If I fell, I opened the parachute and nothing would happen to me. I no longer have that parachute that can save me.”

“To be honest with you, this is something I didn’t plan on. It’s not on my hands,” he continued. “I have never played this position and to be able to play at this level is because you already have experience, so for me, this has to come from God. The Cowboys want to give me a chance. I’m having fun, and thank God, things are going well.”

Although the soon-to-be 25-year-old didn’t make the choice to switch positions himself, he got a boost when he heard how the change came about.

“Last year, when they weren’t putting me in as much as an offensive lineman, Dan Quinn told the offensive line coach: ‘If you don’t want Isaac, give him to me,'” Alarcon recounted.

Alarcon pushed to succeed at new position

The former offensive lineman from Mexico hasn’t seen action in a regular season game yet, but he has defensive line assistant Aden Durde in his corner.

“If you think that the challenge you are facing is too difficult to conquer, you might not be able to succeed, you are putting yourself in a disadvantageous position,” Durde said. “Isaac has to go through the process in the best way, do it in the best way possible. He needs to learn and take the opportunities that come his way. He is an intelligent player, he must do what he is capable to do, control the situations that he can control and he’s doing a great job in that regard. Just go through the process and see what happens; you never know.”

“Isaac has physical traits that can definitely help him overcome the situation he finds himself in,” Durde added. “He has a very strong physical intelligence and a great work ethic. He has a lot to learn but he has the tools to face this challenge.”

Making the roster at a new position may seem impossible but Alarcon has put in the work. He’s dropped 25 pounds and he thinks, at least mentally, playing on the defensive line is easier.

“As a defensive lineman, you don’t have to think much,” Alarcon said. “There’s not like a planned play, it’s more like, ‘This is your spot and you’re in charge of protecting that hole.’ So all of that benefits me to adapt quickly to my new position.”

Whether on the defensive or offensive line, the Mexican national’s goal hasn’t changed.

“My objective always remains the same, to play every Sunday for my country to see me play,” Alarcon said.