Michael Sam officially signs with the Dallas Cowboys

Out NFL-er Michael Sam joins the Dallas Cowboys

It's official! Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL,  has passed his physical (technicality) and signed with the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.

Sam speaking to the Dallas Morning News: "I'm excited to be to be joining Dallas. I just want to play football, it's great to be heading back to my home state. ... It's been a roller coaster this past week but I'm happy where I'm at now. ... I'm just looking forward to being a Cowboy, my focus is on making the team."

Head coach Jason Garrett said, “This is about football. We evaluated him as a football player. Our attention is on football.”

During his time on the practice squad (limited to 10 members), Sam will practice with the Cowboys but not take the field during games. However, that can change at any time per the needs of the team. Sam can be activated at brought on to the 53 man roster depending on what management thinks is best for the team AND what is going on regarding injuries, etc.

Recently, the Cowboys' defensive end George Selvie suffered a shoulder injury; plus, Tyrone Crawford is coming off injured reserve after missing the entire 2013 season. Last year, the Cowboys had the worst defense in the NFL allowing the third-most yards in NFL history.

Reports say Sam will start immediately training with the Cowboys taking the field today.

Go Michael Sam!

Cowboys sign DE Michael Sam to practice squad. http://t.co/4iekcaK2km
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 3, 2014

(source)