Michael Sam Expected to Sign with Dallas Cowboys

Former Missouri Tigers’ and St. Louis Rams’ player Michael Sam was forced to wait after being released from the Rams’ final roster on Saturday. Sam, who’s attempting to be the first openly gay NFL player, was signed to the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on Tuesday afternoon.

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The Cowboys are lacking at the defensive end position after placing DE DeMarcus Lawrence on Reserve/Injured-returnable list on Tuesday. Lawrence will be eligible to return after week six, but for now, Sam is expected to compete as a practice participant for an opening on the defensive line.

Sam was cut by the Rams on Saturday despite putting up impressive numbers during the preseason. Sam had three sacks and ten tackles for the Rams, but was released due to the depth the Rams have at defensive line. Sam was not signed to St. Louis’ practice squad for the same reason, but questions arose after every other team in the NFL also passed on the former SEC defensive player of the year. Before Tuesday, out of the twelve players recording at least  sacks in the preseason, Sam was the only one not signed to a team. The media coverage around Sam’s sexuality has been consistent since before the draft, and was beginning to feel the backlash due to the lack of interest in Sam.

GM and owner Jerry Jones has proven time after time that there is no story or personality too big to be a Dallas Cowboy. Now, it seems that Sam will add to the historic tradition of the Dallas Cowboys.

With the injuries and defensive liabilities that the Cowboys have, it’s possible Sam will see playing time on the active roster before Lawrence’s week six return. If so, Sam will become the first openly gay player in the NFL and one of the first openly gay athletes in major sports.