Jack Ryan – Staff Writer
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The Kaleidoscope sat down with Michael Sam, defensive end for the St. Louis Rams, who spoke on campus on Tuesday, Oct. 4 as part of the UAB Lecture Series.
Sam was a defensive end for the University of Missouri from 2009-2013 and a unanimous All-American athlete, as well the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He became the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL when he was selected in the 7th round by the St. Louis Rams.
It has been two years now since you officially came out. What has the response been from the fans and NFL community?
Sam: My actual coming out day was August of 2013 to my team. That was really me becoming comfortable with who I am. Ever since I came out to the public, which was February of 2014, it was a shocker for someone to do it before their career had even started. I earned a lot of respect from current players, past players, everyone. There’s haters out there that will always hate, but the haters pay my bills. [Generally], overall, it was very positive.
How did your Missouri teammates take it?
Sam: Well, when I had come out to my teammates my senior year, most of them had already known about it. For me to actually tell them that for the first time, I think our chemistry as a unit grew and that led from the previous year record of 5-7 to a 12-2 Cotton Bowl champions record. It was great and I really love those guys.
Can you describe what your coming out moment was like in the NFL and Missouri communities
Sam: So when I came out it was not entirely my decision, I mean it was ultimately my decision, but I would have done things differently if I had it my way. I would have done it like I did at Missouri. I wasn’t going to going to go back in and do it over. I didn’t have to tell anybody, I know who I am. Instead of listening to my advisers I would have done it my way.
Do you feel like that influenced the NFL in any way, through your signing or when you got to the Rams?
Sam: Well, I would like to think so because the NFL knew when they were scouting me my senior year that I was gay. So they already knew it would come out. Since how I handled it, things kind of changed for me.
What was your support network like?
Sam: I will say my Missouri family has been my biggest supporters. Of course, the LGBT community has been really big, but if I wanted to pinpoint it, my Missouri family has been a big support.
You said in an interview with the New York Times that coming out has allowed you to live your truth. How has that changed how you have been able to live?
Sam: I can date whoever the hell I want to now. So clearly in college, when I was gay, but still in the closet, I couldn’t clearly date who I wanted. I did end up dating a guy, but because I was still in the closet, we couldn’t really go do things together as a couple. Now I can do that. I don’t care if I go walk down the street, go to the movies, kiss my boyfriend, I don’t give a damn. I am going to live my life and that is what is important to me.
Do you think that being a pro athlete in the national spotlight gives you a unique opportunity to give support to the LGBTQ community?
Sam: Yes, I would like to think so because there are a lot of stereotypes around the community and especially the black LGBTQ community. I think by showing you are who you are you can show the world who you are. I am black and gay, but there are a lot of stereotypes surrounding gay guys that they should be or act feminine and I don’t [think]this is me. When I came out, I would like to be breaking stereotypes and barriers.
What do you suggest to people who are too scared to come out to their family and friends?
Sam: Well, when you come out, you come out, it’s your own journey. I would never encourage someone to come out before they are ready. I was ready in August of 2013, which made it easy to come out to the public because I was already out for a couple of months. Just be patient. It’s going to be scary. Even when my teammates knew, it was still scary, but you have to know your time. Don’t let anyone influence you and know when you are ready.
How was your experience on Dancing with the Stars?
Sam: They are some tough competitors and it is really serious. I did not know I had muscles in certain places. These little muscles in my ankles and legs. It is a tough sport. After that, I really respect those athletes because they are athletes.
What plans are you working on right now? Are you looking to go to the NFL or more speaking obligations?
Sam: I just hung up and made peace with the NFL when I wasn’t invited to any camps this past summer. Now I am kind of in a limbo. Right now I am doing speaking engagements in the fall and spring. In between those– everyone knows my story, but not everyone knows about that kid from Mobile, Alabama- so I want to go nationally and get their story out so everyone can listen. Maybe later I can go back into football coaching, I don’t know yet.
