It may have took longer than he wanted, but Michael Sam has got another chance to play in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. Things look good for Sam who returned to his home state for his first day of practice with the Dallas Cowboys. Michael Sam received personal greetings from quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten who simply welcomed him one football player to another.
It was no surprise that signing the first openly gay NFL football player created some headlines, but hey—the Dallas Cowboys have never been afraid of being in the spotlight. But for the Dallas Cowboy players and coaches, it was just business as usual—the way it should be if Michael Sam is to be treated the same way as other football players trying to make the team. And this is a pleasant surprise after the media has focused so much on his sexuality instead of his talent.
In fact, coach Jason Garrett didn’t even mention Michael Sam in his press conference. Romo made the attitude of the Cowboys clear when he said:
“For us as football players, there’s 53 guys, 10 guys on the practice squad. In the locker room, no one cares. It’s about, can you help this football team win?”
Galveston native Michael Sam was swarmed by the media and made a lighthearted comment that showed he is also moving the story of his sexuality. He half-jokingly told the media, “You guys have followed me around like hawks.” He simply said:
“Wow. This is Jerry’s team. And I’m here to do everything I can to earn a spot on the team.”
Michael Sam was the 249th pick taken in the last round of the NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams. He had 3 sacks and 11 tackles during preseason, but the Rams cut him. Although the Cowboys passed him up three times in the draft, they really need defensive help now due to injuries.
DeMarcus Lawrence, a second-round pick, has been sidelined with a foot injury. Sean Lee has a torn ACL and will sit out the entire season, and George Selvie has a hurt shoulder. Coach Jason Garret reported that Michael Sam has a real chance to compete for a spot on the team.
Michael Sam tweeted his gratitude for this opportunity:
“As a kid growing up in Texas I always loved the Dallas Cowboys, so to join this incredible organization is really a dream come true. I want to thank the Jones family, the entire Cowboys organization, and the city of Dallas for giving me this opportunity.”
If he makes it, Micheal Sam will get to play in the same AT&T Stadium where he played his last game in college as the Missouri Tigers beat Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.
“Isn’t it funny where my college career ended is where my NFL career starts,” Sam said. “I guess God has a plan for everything.”
