Michael Sam enjoying ‘very positive, very fun’ NFL experience
Michael Sam has already made history as the first openly gay NFL Draft pick and he will make history later this summer when he competes in the St. Louis Rams training camp and plays in their preseason games and the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year is having a lot of fun as he embarks on his NFL career.
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The former Missouri Tigers defensive end and seventh round pick was the subject of numerous headlines when he announced he was a gay football player earlier this year and the reaction was mostly positive around the NFL as they prepared to welcome a gay man into the locker room and onto the field.
Attending the NFL’s rookie symposium this week, Sam spoke about his early experience and hasn’t experienced any backlash or negative criticism for his sexual orientation.
“It’s very positive, it’s very fun,” Sam said, via the Associated Press. “I’m excited to be playing for the Rams, I’m excited to be in the NFL.”
Sam is focused on making the roster and earning playing time on a Rams defensive line that includes Pro Bowlers Chris Long and Robert Quinn at defensive end, so Sam must make the most of every opportunity this summer and minimize his mistakes in the game that is much faster than the college version.
“It’s very fast. Everything is full speed,” Sam said. “If you make a mistake, it could cost you that win in practice or that win in a game. That one mistake. So you’ve got to pay attention to details.”
His playing time may not be consistent throughout the season, but hopefully the reaction he has received from his teammates and fellow rookies will be.