Michael Sam was the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. But the new Dallas Cowboys defensive end is clearly willing to scratch and claw his way into live NFL action just like any other practice squad player.
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Michael Sam: "I'm trying to help the Cowboys any way I can so I can earn a spot on this team and help our team win games."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2014
Sam: "I just want to do anything I can...special teams, left end, right end, whatever. Want me to hold the ball? I'll do it to perfection."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2014
That’s the type of attitude coaches want to see from fringe-roster players like Sam, so it will be important for him to maintain that willingness throughout the year.
Sam, who is the NFL’s first active gay player, received support from Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray soon after signing with Dallas.
Dez Bryant: Michael Sam "deserves respect. I don't judge a book by its cover. He's a football player and I don't look at him any different."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2014
DeMarco Murray on Michael Sam signing: "It's not a big deal. He's here to help us win. We're gonna treat him like any other guy."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2014
Sam comes to the Cowboys on the heels of an excellent preseason with the St. Louis Rams. He racked up three sacks and 11 tackles in the four preseason games with St. Louis.
If he can build off that performance in practice, an in-season call-up to the active roster is certainly possible.