When the Dallas Cowboys signed defensive tackle David Irving off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad back in late September of 2015, it wasn’t to much acclaim. Irving went undrafted out of Iowa State earlier that year after being dismissed from that program due to off-the-field issues including multiple arrests.
But the 6-foot-7, 290 pounder displayed surprising agility and quickness off the line. And those physical talents emerged against the Seattle Seahawks in his rookie season when Irving blocked a fourth quarter field goal attempt in a narrow 13-12 loss.
The following year, Irving earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week after posting three forced fumbles, four tackles and a sack in a mere 19 snaps against the Green Bay Packers.