The NFL continues to cross borders when it comes to bringing in new talent. In recent years, players from other countries around the world have achieved their dream of playing in the United States thanks to the International Player Pathway Program. Of course, Mexico is no exception. In fact, the Cowboys could add another Mexican player to their ranks after they included Isaac Alarcón in the 2020 season.
This is the offensive lineman Alfredo Gutiérrez, who plays for Borregos de Monterrey Tec. The Tijuana native is one of 11 players who will opt for a place in the aforementioned NFL training program for international players. This was the same path that Isaac Alarcón traveled, with whom Gutiérrez coincided in college football.
FOR THE DREAM OF PLAYING IN THE NFL! ????????????????
Mexican Alfredo Gutiérrez is chosen for the International Player Pathway 2021 Program, which provides an opportunity for foreign players to play in the NFLhttps://t.co/d8GQXkhqTO pic.twitter.com/mmHymNqJco
– BRAND Claro (@MarcaClaro) January 2, 2021
However, both players could share a team once again. According to recent information, Alfredo Gutiérrez will participate in tests with the Cowboys. The cowboy team agreed to train the player from Tijuana. And if all goes well, he will probably fulfill his dream of playing professional football.
The Tijuana native, Alfredo Gutiérrez, will have a tryout opportunity of #Cowboys. @maximoavance
– Jorge Camacho Arias (@ CamachoJorge23) January 6, 2021
In fact, Gutiérrez has the ideal physical characteristics to play in the NFL. He is an offensive lineman over two meters tall and weighing 135 kilos. If he polished his talent properly, he would be a great addition to any of the teams in the league. And the Cowboys could have a shot.
If successful, the Cowboys could add a second Mexican player to their ranks. Remember that offensive lineman Isaac Alarcón was incorporated as an undrafted rookie thanks to the exemption allowed by the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.
As expected, Alfredo Gutiérrez cannot hide his excitement after being selected for this international NFL program. This was evidenced in a recent interview with the Mexican sports newspaper Record.
“What I want is to represent my country. I feel that I have the qualities to prove it “said the Tijuana offensive lineman. “I want to compete with myself, to improve and that is why I am here. We hope to keep racing to get to a better place. This is my moment”.
???????? SUCCESS ALFREDO ????
The OL ???????? Alfredo Gutiérrez of ???? @BorregosMty is one of the players that will be part of the International Player Pathway NFL 2021
Program through which ???????? @IsaacAlarcon was placed on the Dallas Cowboys practice team this 2020#NFL pic.twitter.com/Gb4nqvhQ98
– Third Quarter (@Tercer_Cuarto) December 30, 2020
What path awaits Gutiérrez to reach the NFL?
While the inclusion of Alfredo Gutiérrez in this program does not completely guarantee that he will play in the NFL, it is still a great step towards that goal. In fact, the road is just beginning for the young Mexican player.
Under the training program protocol, players not chosen in the draft can come to teams from a randomly chosen NFL division to take part in training camps. After the camp is over, young talents can opt for an international player exemption to join the practice squad for the team where they trained.
However, this does not guarantee an immediate jump to action. One of the conditions is that players with such an exemption cannot be eligible for the active roster for one year. However, in the following season they may have a chance of being elevated from the practice squad.
That path that Gutiérrez is in store for is already being traveled by Isaac Alarcón. The offensive tackle was part of Dallas’ practice squad during the regular season. In fact, earlier this week, Alarcón was included in the cowboy team reserve for the 2021 season. This guarantees his presence at the next training camp, where he will have to compete for a roster spot.
The Cowboys have signed the following players to the team’s Reserve/Future list for the 2021 season: pic.twitter.com/RWDy9NACiA
– Jon Machota (onjonmachota) January 4, 2021
Although it may seem complicated, there is already a history of foreign players who have formed the International Player Pathway Program and who have managed to settle in the NFL. Such are the cases of the Australian Jordan Mailata in the Eagles, the British Efe Obada in the Panthers, and the Germans Jakob Johnson (Patriots) and Moritz Böhringer (Bengals).
Of course, it remains to be seen how Alfredo Gutiérrez manages to perform in tryouts with the Cowboys. If this gigantic Tijuana native manages to stand out and maintains a good progression, we may see two Mexican players in the Dallas practice squad. And why not have a spot on the active cowboy roster.
