Michael Sam released by the Dallas Cowboys without playing a game

The NFL's first openly gay player is again without a team

(Associated Press)

Michael Sam, the NFL's first openly gay player, is again searching for a team after he was released by the Dallas Cowboys.

Sam, a seventh-round pick in this year's draft who had previously been cut by the St Louis Rams, had been on the Cowboys' practice squad since 3 September without playing a game.

Sam, an all-American and co-defensive player of the year at Missouri, was initially considered a third or fourth round pick in the draft before announcing his sexuality in an interview, while pre-draft workouts led to some speculating whether he was athletic enough to make it in the NFL.

After impressing for the Rams in pre-season, where he led the team with 11 tackles and three sacks in four games, he was unexpectedly cut.

Dallas opted to sign him to their practice squad – a reserve of 10 players – but he was released on Tuesday to open up a spot for another player.

The 24-year-old defensive end took to Twitter to express his thanks to the Cowboys organisation.