On February 10, 2014. Michael Sam, All-American defensive end from Missouri, and one of this year’s NFL draft picks, came out as a gay man in an interview by ESPN; a move which was has so far caused polarity among the league and fans alike.
Not long ago did Jason Collins, of the NBA, come out as gay. He was the first player in any of the first of the four major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) to come out while still in his career. While many have come out AFTER retiring from playing, a new trend seems to be on the rise of players realizing people are becoming more and more accepting of homosexuals, prompting them to come out of the closet.
In the case of Michael Sam, he looks to be the first openly gay NFL player in league history. Many players and fans have come in support of his decision to come out, while at the same time, many have come forward in saying that he is using this as an opportunity to move up in the draft and are going so far as to call it a “publicity stunt”. Polarizing as it is, there is no doubt about one fact: Michael Sam can play, and damn good too.
Not only is Michael Sam an All-American defensive end, but prior to coming out, Michael Sam was predicted to go as early as the 3rd round of this year’s NFL draft, being compared to the likes of Cliff Avril and Robert Mathis. True, he may be a relatively traditionally undersized defensive end at 6’1″ 260 pounds, but he didn’t receive his honors for nothing. Sam recorded a staggering 11.5 sacks (tying a single season school record) and 19 tackles for loss, on his way to helping his team to an SEC championship game appearance and a Cotton Bowl victory over Oklahoma State. If there are any doubts about his playing ability that are being shadowed by his recent announcement, let those doubts be put to rest.
It is understandable for people to think this is a stunt in order to get drafted. Coming out as we are so close to the draft seems incredibly convenient, doesn’t it? However, this young man should deserve praise for doing what so many like him have done in the past, and some will do in the future. To admit to being gay, in a sport which has not been very “gay friendly” in the past, is admirable. While I applaud his decision and courage for coming out, despite the negative feedback that he knew was coming, now the talk must end. He must transition his collegiate skills, which have gotten him so far, to the NFL to prove that he belongs. He has my support, now he must catch our eyes.
The unfortunate thing for Michael Sam is that criticism will not die down overnight. The only way to silence his critics is to lay it all out on the field. Even though not everyone will support his lifestyle, enough people will accept him, and overlook it, in order to give him a true, fighting chance. To Michael Sam I leave with this. Good luck, we’ll be watching.
Shane Carter is a junior journalism major from the greater Austin, Texas, area. He is the co-host of the Walk-Off. Don’t try finding him on Twitter; he’s not a “tweet guy”. He is on Facebook, though.
The Walk-Off on KTXT 