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NFL: Michael Sam cut from Dallas Cowboys practice squad

COLUMBIA , MO - AUGUST 30:  Former Missouri Tiger Michael Sam attends a game between the Missouri Tigers and South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Memorial Sta
Image: Michael Sam: Has now been cut by two NFL teams since September

Michael Sam has been released from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad after failing to contend for a place in their defensive line.

Sam became the first openly gay player to sign with an NFL team after he was selected by the St Louis Rams in the seventh round of the Draft earlier this year.

He was cut by the Rams despite some promising performances during pre-season, and he joined the Cowboys on September 3 after impressing defensive co-ordinator Rod Marinelli.

But Sam has now been released from the Dallas practice squad and replaced by linebacker Troy Davis, although he still remains determined to fulfill his ambitions of playing in the NFL.

"I want to thank the Jones family and the entire Cowboys organisation for this opportunity, as well as my friends, family, teammates and fans for their support," wrote Sam on his Twitter page.

"While this is disappointing, I will take the lessons I learned here in Dallas and continue to fight for an opportunity to prove that I can play every Sunday."

Marinellu and Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett made the decision to cut Sam despite admitting last week that they were pleased with his hard work during training 

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"He comes to work every day and practices hard," Garrett said. "One of 10 practice roster guys that we have, so he's working on his skills, trying to develop, but also doing a lot of other things.

"Playing offense, defense, playing the kicking game, that's what a lot of those guys do."

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