Michael Sam has expressed his confidence that he will get a second chance in the NFL following his performance at the veteran's combine.

Sam became the first openly gay player in the league when he was drafted by the St Louis Rams last year, but was cut before the regular season began.

The 25-year-old then joined the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys before being released in October.

However, he is optimistic that his display at the first ever combine for veteran players proves that he can be a valuable asset for one of the 32 teams in the league.

"I did the best I can," Sam told reporters. "I did just as good if not better than the other guys here, so I'm pretty confident.

"I am very confident that I will be playing football this year, somewhere. As long as I still have that will, as long as I'm still healthy, and can play this game, you will continue to see me fighting to get in this league."

Sam will compete in the television show Dancing with the Stars, which starts this month.