Michael Sam, the first gay man drafted into the NFL during the 2014 NFL Draft, has signed with the Dallas Cowboys to be on their practice squad. Sam grew up in Texas and stated that he’s excited to be heading back to his home state and to be joining Dallas. Sam is exactly what Dallas needs, since their top defensive end has an injured shoulder and the team lost pass-rusher to the Denver Broncos in free agency.

The Cowboys coach, Jason Garrett, announced the signing Wednesday morning, where he stated that the team wants to give Sam a chance to come in and help their football team. Both the Cowboys and Sam’s attention are on football, so hopefully Sam can help Dallas this year since last year they had the worst defense in the NFL. It isn’t likely for Sam to be on Dallas’ active roster for Sunday’s season opener but he will be assigned number 46 with the team. Even though as of right now Sam is signed with the Cowboys, any team is able to sign Sam off of the practice squad.

Prior to being drafted by the St. Louis Rams for the 2014 season, Sam had been battling as an un-drafted rookie for a final roster spot. Sam arrived at Rams Park on Sunday for an exit meeting with the Rams’ head coach. The Rams cut their roster down to the maximum 53, and left Sam out of it. Sam immediately went to twitter thanking the Rams and the city of St. Louis for giving him the opportunity and he is looking forward to his future. He also quoted, “The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I’ve always known. The journey continues.”