Michael Sam appears headed to the team he long admired as a kid.
Looking to become the first openly gay active NFL player, Sam will take a physical for the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, Sept. 3, according to multiple outlets, including ESPN. If Sam passes his physical, which seems likely, the Cowboys reportedly will sign him to their 10-member practice squad.
Sam was drafted this past May by the St. Louis Rams, and despite a solid showing in the team's four-game preseason, including 11 tackles and three sacks, he was cut on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Sam cleared waivers on Aug. 31.
Now the Texas native seems to be set to play for America's Team, with one of the most famous owners in all of team sports: Jerry Jones.
"Is it disappointing that the Rams cut him? Yes, especially for those of us who might struggle rooting for our first Cowboy ever," said Chicago-based sportswriter Christina Kahrl. "But I'd suggest the Rams' depth on the defensive line was something he just wasn't going to be able to overcome. Here's looking forward to Michael Sam's first play as a Cowboy."
The question is, if signed, will he make it off the practice squad and onto the 53-man roster?
That seems likely, based on Dallas' defensive woes in 2013. The Cowboys had one of the NFL's worst defenses last season. In fact, it ranked dead last in some categories. Buffalo led the league last season with 1,299 tackles; the Cowboys has 932—fewest in the NFL.
And the Cowboys went 0-4 in the 2014 preseason.
"It's a great sign that someone [reportedly] offered him a contract," said Anthony Nicodemo, an out high school basketball coach in New York. "I think it really would have sent a bad message knowing he deserves a shot. Hopefully he can settle in, climb the ladder and continue to be a role model to so many."
The Cowboys open the 2014 season on Sunday, Sept. 7 against San Francisco, and in week three, Dallas plays at St. Louis. On Dec. 4, the Cowboys come to Chicago, facing the Bears in a Thursday night clash at Soldier Field.
Tim MacMahon wrote on ESPNDallas.com that signing Sam "makes perfect football sense for the Dallas Cowboys." Jean-Jacques Taylor added on ESPNDallas.com, "If there were ever a team built to add Michael Sam, the NFL's first openly gay player, it's the Dallas Cowboys."
