Michael Sam didn't say it literally, but he's hinting that the real reason that he's not in the NFL is because he's gay.

When stopped by TMZ Sports at LAX airport Wednesday morning, Sam said he doesn't think his absence from the NFL has to do with talent, suggesting it has more to do with his sexual orientation. 

"I think I was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last year... so I don't think it had to do with talent," Sam said.

After being selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, the franchise cut the defensive end in late August. Rams coach Jeff Fisher said at the time that, "I believe he can play in this league."

That led to the Dallas Cowboys giving Sam a shot on their practice squad, but they too cut the rookie defensive end in October.

Despite Sam's suggestion that he isn't in the NFL because he's gay, critics have maintained it's about his ability and nothing more. Sam was the first openly gay player to have been drafted in the NFL in May.

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(Photo: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)