First gay nfl player drafted
Sam picked by Rams, becomes first openly gay player to be drafted
Michael Sam made history.
The St. Louis Rams selected the former Missouri defensive cease in the seventh round of the NFL Draft Saturday, making Sam the first openly queer player to be drafted into the NFL.
The MU graduate announced that he is gay on Feb. 9. He told his Missouri teammates of his sexuality in August 2013.
Sam earned co-Southeastern Conference Player of the Year honors for the 2013 season. He led the SEC in sacks with 11.5.
While Sam’s coming out was publicly met well, some NFL general managers said anonymously through other media outlets that they would include reservations about drafting Sam.
By all accounts, Sam’s sexuality was never an issue in the Missouri locker room.
“If you’re part of our family, part of our football program, part of our team, you understand, we’re going to be respectful of the differences amongst us and accept and support each other,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said on Feb. 10. “That’s what we do here at Mizzou.”
Considered undersized for an NFL defensive end, Sam attempted to make the switch to linebacker this offseason. He struggled at the position during Senior Bowl
Michael Sam becomes NFL's first openly male lover player
Sam - who had played college football at the University of Missouri - was chosen on the ultimate day of the annual allocation of new talent.
He was contacted by Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, who told ESPN he was mainly focused on what the footballer could do on the field.
But Fisher added: "In the world of diversity we live in now, I'm honoured to be part of this and I'm excited about his opportunity to help this football team win."
In February, Sam told ESPN: "I came to tell the society I'm an openly gay man.
"If I work complicated, if I create plays - that's all that should matter."
He had revealed his sexuality to his former college teammates, but admitted doing so publicly was "a weight off his chest".
"I probably may be the first but I won't be the last. And I consider only good things will come from this," he added.
In February, Jason Collins become the first openly queer athlete to perform in a competitive game for a major US professional sports league when he came on for the Brooklyn Nets against the LA Lakers.
History! Michael Sam becomes first openly gay player drafted to National Football League (NFL)
NEW YORK, NY – GLAAD, the nation's woman loving woman, gay, bisexual, and gender non-conforming (LGBT) media advocacy nonprofit, today responded to the historic draft of openly gay football player Michael Sam to the National Football League (NFL). Sam will become the first-ever openly gay footballer to play for the league next season.
"Without a mistrust, this is a game changer," said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. "Today, Michael Sam has redefined what it takes to be a champion. He's tackled stereotypes and joins the ranks of athletic trailblazers appreciate Jason Collins and Brittney Griner in showing Americans that there's no place for homophobia on the field. As support for equality continues to surge, it's clear that sports fans are ready, football is ready, and America is ready for its first openly gay NFL player."
GLAAD encourages fans to share their support for Michael Sam by sharing #SamFans graphics on Facebook and Twitter.
In February interviews with The New York Times and ESPN, Sam first stated: "I am an openly, proud queer man."
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First openly gay NFL draftee Michael Sam cut by Rams
Sam was one of 22 players waived in the Rams' final cut.
He had been selected by the Rams on the final date of this year's draft in May and he kissed his boyfriend as a national television audience looked on.
Head coach Jeff Fisher had said he was mainly focused on what the footballer could do on the field.
Fisher said on Saturday there would be no challenge for any team that picked up Sam.
"He's not about drawing attention to himself. He kept his head down and worked and you can't ask anything more out of any player for that matter," Fisher said.
"The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I've always known. The journey continues," Sam tweeted, external after the Rams' decision was announced.
Sam featured in the 26-24 loss to the Fresh Orleans Saints, saying afterwards: "You know, I can play in this league."
Sam played college football at the University of Missouri.
He had revealed his sexuality to his former college teammates, but admitted doing so publicly was "a weight off his chest".
"I probably may be the first b