The Dallas Cowboys have once again parted ways with former Auburn defensive tackle, marking yet another chapter in the unpredictable journey of a player trying to cement his place in the NFL. In a league defined by competition, constant evaluation, and razor-thin margins, the decision serves as a stark reminder of how difficult it is to find lasting security on a 53-man roster—even for those with strong college pedigrees.
The defensive tackle in question, whose name once echoed through the SEC during his time at Auburn, entered the NFL with hope, drive, and an unshakable belief in his ability to compete at the highest level. Like many undrafted or late-round talents, he faced an uphill battle from the moment he walked into his first professional training camp. While his time at Auburn was filled with flashes of brilliance—strong showings against top-tier offensive lines, leadership in the locker room, and a high motor that earned praise from coaches—transitioning to the pro game proved to be a more difficult mountain to climb.
This isn’t the first time the Cowboys have waived him. After initially signing him as a free agent, the team released him during a previous round of cuts before the regular season began. He was later re-signed to the practice squad, a move that gave him another shot to stay in the organization and learn from experienced veterans while awaiting an opportunity. At times, he impressed. Reports from the practice field painted a picture of a hardworking, lunch-pail type of player—never flashy but consistently dependable. Coaches appreciated his work ethic, and teammates respected his willingness to embrace the grind.
Yet, as is so often the case in the NFL, hard work alone does not guarantee job security. With each new season comes a new crop of draft picks, undrafted free agents, and veterans looking to revive their careers. For teams like the Cowboys, who are constantly evaluating talent and looking for ways to gain an edge, the roster is a living organism—always evolving. Depth charts shift, positional needs change, and decisions must be made. Unfortunately for the former Auburn standout, the numbers once again didn’t fall in his favor.
His latest release comes amid a flurry of offseason activity for Dallas, as the front office looks to fine-tune its roster ahead of training camp. After bolstering the secondary with a veteran cornerback addition and making subtle shifts on the offensive side, the Cowboys have turned their focus to trimming down areas of redundancy—particularly on the defensive line. With a loaded room that includes rising stars, established veterans, and recent draft picks, the margin for error is slim. Even one missed assignment, underwhelming rep, or injury setback can derail a player’s shot at sticking around.
There’s a harshness to the NFL’s business model that fans often forget when watching Sunday highlights or celebrating big wins. For every superstar with a multi-million-dollar deal, there are dozens of players on the bubble—hoping for just one more chance. These players live with uncertainty, often moving from city to city, hotel to hotel, just trying to keep the dream alive. The mental and emotional toll of being waived repeatedly is immense. Yet, what stands out in the case of this defensive tackle is his resilience. Each time he was let go, he regrouped. Each time he was overlooked, he stayed ready. Each time his number wasn’t called, he kept grinding.
It’s unclear what the future holds for him now. Some around the league believe he still has untapped potential—particularly as a rotational interior lineman who can help clog running lanes. Others think a fresh start might do him good, perhaps with a team that runs a different scheme or has a greater need for depth in the trenches. For now, he hits the waiver wire once again, waiting to see if another franchise believes in what he can bring to the table. If he clears waivers, a return to a practice squad—whether in Dallas or elsewhere—is still on the table.
From the Cowboys’ perspective, this decision is part of a larger puzzle. With Super Bowl aspirations and a desire to maximize every inch of the roster, the team is constantly evaluating how each player fits into its bigger goals. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was recently hired to bring toughness and clarity to the defense, is known for favoring players who bring both discipline and explosiveness. While the former Auburn tackle may have shown signs of promise, the staff likely saw others who offered more consistency, upside, or schematic fit.
One thing is for certain: the player’s journey is not over. The road to NFL success is rarely linear, especially for those who begin their careers on the margins. Some of the league’s best stories have come from players who bounced around, were cut multiple times, and eventually found the right team, the right coach, and the right moment. Whether that moment comes next week, next month, or next season, it will require continued belief in his ability, continued effort in training, and a mindset unshaken by rejection.
For Cowboys fans, the move might not make headlines like a big trade or star signing, but it’s part of the critical behind-the-scenes work that shapes the team’s identity. These quiet decisions—releasing a practice squad player here, claiming a linebacker there—often determine how resilient and deep a team truly is when injuries strike or the playoffs loom. Dallas knows this all too well. Championship-caliber teams aren’t just built through blockbuster deals and marquee names. They’re forged through daily decisions, meticulous planning, and a relentless pursuit of the best 53.
The former Auburn star, once a standout on Saturdays in front of roaring SEC crowds, now finds himself at a familiar crossroads. It’s a place he’s been before, and a place he’s overcome before. While this chapter in Dallas may have closed for now, his story in the NFL may just be entering a new phase. Whether it’s through another opportunity with a different franchise, a late-season call-up, or even a chance to compete again with the Cowboys in the future, he remains one of the countless players chasing a dream, knowing full well that sometimes it only takes one yes to change everything.
And if there’s one thing to know about players like him—it’s that they don’t give up easily.
