Sam, First Openly Gay NFL Player, Cut From Cowboys

Michael Sam will have to find a new team if he wants to continue making history in the NFL.

Sam, who became the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL Draft earlier this year, was waived from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad Tuesday. The former SEC Defensive Player of the Year was originally drafted by the St Louis Rams in the seventh round but was released during the final round of cuts before the regular season. The Cowboys added him to their practice squad shortly after, hoping to mold him into a contributor as a pass-rushing specialist.

Either in anticipation of the return of some highly-touted defensive lineman, or due to a lack of development by him as a player, the Cowboys never seriously considered promoting Sam to the active roster, according to reports. Nevertheless, Sam took to his Twitter account to express gratitude for the opportunity the team afforded him.

If Sam can catch on with another team and get on the field, he would be the first gay man to play in a regular-season NFL game.