ESPYs 2014: Michael Sam’s Arthur Ashe Award acceptance speech (Video)
By Mike Dyce
One of the best stories of 2014 is Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam smashing through barriers, coming out before the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine. He was eventually drafted in the seventh-round by the St. Louis Rams.
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The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYs was given to Michael Sam, and it couldn’t of been awarded to a more deserving and courageous individual. Leading into the Award, which was introduced and announced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, ESPN showed a segment chronicling Sam’s journey from his youth, to college, to coming out and finally to the NFL.
Sam came on stage to accept the award and gave a touching speech, one that will be remembered for years to come as a pivotal moment. He had to battle through his emotions to get a speech that carried a powerful and special message but he remained composed and eloquent.
The audience seemed the most silent it had been all night, taking in every word from Sam. If you missed that moment, you can watch the video below to catch up.
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