Just when it appeared that Michael Sam's NFL career was going to be over before it even officially began, the Cowboys saved the day by signing the NFL's only openly gay player to their 10-man practice squad.
It had appeared that Sam might not get another chance after he was cut by the St. Louis Rams. Most NFL teams reportedly didn't want to deal with the "distraction" -- i.e., the fact that he is gay and the publicity that comes with it.
Now, Jerry Jones never met a camera he didn't like, so publicity isn't the issue there. But it surprised me that the Cowboys picked him up because they've never seemed like a "progressive" organization.
Nonetheless, this might be a good fit. The Cowboys are a 4-3 team desperately needing pass rushers, and Michael is a 4-3 end with some pass-rushing skills. And it doesn't hurt that he sells a ton of jerseys :)
http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/09/03/dallas-cowboys-s … ichael-sam
Jerry Jones to the rescue?
I don't think it will be long before he moves from the practice squad to the game day squad. Dallas had the worst pass rush in the league and as previously stated they did nothing to improve it. Also helps that Dallas keeps ALL the proceeds of jersey sales. An interesting article about the Tampa Bay Bucs trying to improve ticket sales, reaching out to Orlando, Sarasota areas with deals and bus trips. Also reaching out to the LBGT community with deals. A fan with money for a ticket is always a good thing.
Yeah, it makes sense, which is why it's so weird for the Cowboys :) The moves they make usually don't.
It's a smart move for Dallas. The team's D sucked last year, and, weirdly, with all its resources it did not do anything to shore it up in the off-season. Sam will be great for the practice squad, and if able to move in rotation he could be a good help in some plays. Good for Sam and good for Dallas.