Dallas Cowboys plan to sign Michael Sam

Michael Sam , a defensive lineman with the Missouri Tigers, sent waves through the world of sports Monday when he came out as gay. Expected to be a sure pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Sam would become both the first openly gay athlete to be drafted and, therefore, to play in the NFL. But he's not the first professional athlete to go public with his homosexuality -- here are some of the most notable openly gay pros.



less Michael Sam , a defensive lineman with the Missouri Tigers, sent waves through the world of sports Monday when he came out as gay. Expected to be a sure pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Sam would become both ... more Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Dallas Cowboys plan to sign Michael Sam 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO - Michael Sam will undergo a physical for the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, ESPN reported.

Sam, a Texas-native who was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, will be signed to the team's practice squad if the physical is passed, the report said.

Sam became the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL earlier this year when he was taken in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams. The University of Missouri graduate was cut by the Rams on Saturday became free to sign with any team Sunday after clearing waivers.

The Cowboys discussed signing Sam with their own players to gauge reaction, which was apparently positive, on Tuesday, according to NFL.com.

Sam, who attended high school in Hitchcock, Texas, was one of 9 players in the NFL to have 3 sacks this preseason and was tied for fourth on his team in tackles with 11.

The Cowboys released defensive leader Demarcus Ware in the offseason after their defense finished 30th in yards allowed.

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