Michael Sam: I’m determined to be great
By Josh Sanchez
There has never been a seventh-round pick that has entered the NFL with as much attention as St. Louis Rams rookie defensive end Michael Sam, so all eyes were on his introductory press conference on Tuesday afternoon when he spoke to the media in St. Louis.
Sam, the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL Draft, sounded as determined as any player to make his impact on the team felt from a football perspective and he was very thankful for the opportunity that he was given.
“I’m blessed,” Sam said at his introductory press conference, via Pro Football Talk. “I want to thank my head coach, Coach Fisher, and Mr. Kroenke and Mr. Snead, for giving me the opportunity to play here.
“I’m determined to be great. I want to train hard and try to make the team. All my focus is on trying to make the team.”
Sam also had a message for those that can learn from his bravery that was displayed when he announced he was an openly gay athlete.
“It’s OK to be who you are,” Sam said. “Whether you’re gay, straight, black or white, it’s OK to be comfortable in your own skin.”
Sam is an easy player to root for and it will be interesting to see how he progresses during his time in rookie mini camps and OTAs.