Michael Sam Released by Cowboys: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

For the second time in two months, an NFL team has waived Michael Sam.

On Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys released the rookie defensive lineman from their practice squad. According to Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com, the Cowboys waived Sam to sign linebacker Troy Davis, a second-year pro from Central Florida. 

Sam took to Twitter soon after the report broke to thank the Cowboys for the opportunity:

The St. Louis Rams initially drafted Sam, who played college football at the University of Missouri and was named SEC co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, with the 249th overall pick this past May, making him the first openly gay player to be drafted in NFL history. He appeared in all four preseason games, racking up three sacks and 11 combined tackles, before the team released him in its final round of roster cuts.

As Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com noted, Sam's journey to the NFL has hit a snag, but it's hardly the end of the road for him:

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Plenty of NFL veterans have been cut multiple times, so there's no reason to think this is the end of the road for Sam. It will be interesting, however, to see if Sam can land on a practice squad during this season. If not, there will likely be a spot for him when rosters expand again in the offseason.

Sam's groundbreaking role in the NFL is unique, but his path as a professional player is not. His high profile is putting a spotlight on what so many players go through as they pursue their dreams.

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The Cowboys signed him to their practice squad prior to Week 1 of the regular season, but he never made it into an NFL game.

The NFL increased the size of practice squads this year from eight to 10 players, so the likelihood of Sam finding a new team seems strong.

He has work to do before cracking a 53-man roster, but sometimes all anyone needs is a chance.