The Dallas Cowboys released Michael Sam from their practice squad on Tuesday, marking the second the team that has cut the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Sam, who was drafted in the 7th round by the St. Louis Rams, was picked up by the Cowboys in September after the Rams cut him before the start of the season. Sam was playing on the Cowboys’ practice squad and issued this statement via his Twitter account after being cut.
“I want to thank the Jones family and the entire Cowboys organization for this opportunity, as well as my friends, family, teammates, and fans for their support. While this is disappointing, I will take the lessons I learned here in Dallas and continue to fight for an opportunity to prove that I can play every Sunday.”
Sam became the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL, but he has yet to become the first openly gay player to play in an NFL game, which would be another significant milestone.
Our buddy Blaise in KC had the best line of all when he said Jerry Jones released Sam because he’s getting enough publicity from his team playing well.
Cowboys waive Michael Sam. Jerry Jones says the team appreciates all his work but they are getting publicity from their play these days.
— Blaise Miller (@BlaiseInKC) October 21, 2014
