Never in the history of the NFL has there been an openly gay active player. That could change in a few months however, or at least it should.
The stereotype for a gay athlete centers on a position that might not be very physical, or if it is, that player would not excel. But in the case of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, that could not be further from the truth.
Sam was the SEC co-defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
That’s right; the SEC. That conference from which NFL talent is bred. That conference where the competition is the most fierce. Sam led the SEC in sacks with 11.5 and played a critical role in the Tigers run to the SEC East title and a berth in the SEC Championship. If they had beaten Auburn, Missouri would have played in the national championship game.
Sam announced to the world that he was gay this past weekend, immediately sparking debate and conversation about his place on a team, which would be for the 2014 NFL season.
Prior to Sam coming out, he was thought to be 3rd or 4th round draft selection. His size goes against him. At 6’2 245 lbs, there is not a definitive position that suits him for a defensive end. There are very few top defensive ends that are only 6’2. Most analysts believe that he would fit best in a 3-4 defensive scheme as an outside linebacker and hybrid pass rusher. It was his announcement that took over the the conversation though.
There were many questions that surfaced following the revelation. Among them included whether or not it would affect his draft stock? Also, why did he decide to come out?
There have been mixed reviews on how this will affect Sam’s draft stock come April. There have been some anonymous (fitting) NFL management and coaches that have said they believe it will knock him lower on the boards because of the locker room dynamic. It’s interesting that the NFL is so accepting of murderers, adulterers, those convicted of sexual assault, convicted of other assault and battery, dog fighters + more. And this issue sparks the most debate? – Full disclosure I am a huge fan of football and the NFL for those thinking I am not at this point.
It’s a sad state of affairs if what some of those ‘anonymous’ people associated with the NFL have said.
What should be celebrated is the fact that Sam’s teammates were informed by the defensive end about his sexual orientation prior to the 2013 season. That’s right, Sam came out to his teammates months ago. He said the support he received was unbelievable. And you’re trying to tell me that a group of college kids are able to be more accepting of their teammate than a group of professional athletes that are supposedly ‘more mature’? I think that this brings into question a whole lot more as far as the ‘heartbeat’ of the locker room, and perhaps the NFL needs to take a hard look in the mirror before telling me that one of the most important aspects when considering a player to be on the team is their ‘character’.
Don’t piss on me and tell me it’s raining.
I believe that the majority of NFL players would be accepting and welcome a player like Sam in the locker room (hopefully). At the end of the day it should be about whether or not he can help a team win games.