Michael Sam

Michael Sam is the college football player who announced in 2014 that he was gay and hoped to play in the NFL. If he were to make a team, he would become the first openly gay active player in NFL history. Michael Sam was born in Galveston, Texas, and grew up in nearby Hitchcock. He attended the University of Missouri, where he majored in Parks, Recreation & Tourism and played football. After redshirting his freshman year (2009), he played four years on the varsity, becoming known for his quickness and aggressive play. In 2013, his final year, he had 10.5 sacks and was named a unanimous All-American and the Associated Press's SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He was invited to the Senior Bowl and the NFL's annual scouting combine, and was expected to be mid-to-late round draft pick. Then on February 9th of 2014 he startled the world by telling ESPN and the New York Times, "I am openly, proud gay man." He also told the press that his college teammates had known about and accepted his sexual orientation. The NFL said in a statement, "We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage... We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014." Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL draft; his joyful kiss with his boyfriend after getting the call from the Rams was broadcast nationally on ESPN and became a social media sensation.