Michael Sam ‘making good progress’ on Dallas Cowboys practice squad
The coach of the Dallas Cowboys says that out player Michael Sam is making good progress on the team’s practice squad.
Sam, who made history in May as the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team, was cut by the St Louis Rams last month.
He was later picked up by the Cowboys for their 10-man practice squad, but is still waiting to make history again as an openly gay player in a real NFL match.
As he waits to hear whether he will be called up by the Cowboys for the main team, defensive line coach Rod Marinelli has said he is making good progress, despite the practice squad’s less intensive training hours.
Marinelli told the Dallas Morning News: “He’s done some good things.
“The only thing he really gets is some of our individual periods and then he gets some one-on-one rushes on Wednesday, and I think he’s gotten a little bit better.
“But it’s tougher for a practice squad guy because these other guys here, they’re pounding with all week long in terms of fundamentals and game-planning and those things.
“So it’s a little tougher, but he’s got movement. I like his quickness and his instincts.
“He’s got really good work habits, so just keep working to develop him.”
Cowboys defensive end Jeremy Mincey added: “He’s doing a good job. He works hard. He does what you ask of him and that’s all you can do in this league.
“He has [shown flashes]. He’s won a lot of rushes.
“He’s got a lot to learn and that comes with experience. I was just like him, a young guy on the practice squad, so it’s a good developmental phase for him to get better.”
