Michael Sam

{{Short description|American football coach and former player (born 1990)}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Michael Sam

| image = Michael Sam final Mizzou home game.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Sam holding a souvenir rock from the rock 'M' at Memorial Stadium after a win against Texas A&M

| current_team = Panthers Wrocław

| number =

| position = Assistant defensive line coach

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|1|7}}

| birth_place = Galveston, Texas, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 2

| weight_lbs = 261

| high_school = Hitchcock {{nowrap|(Hitchcock, Texas)}}

| college = Missouri (2009–2013)

| draftyear = 2014

| draftround = 7

| draftpick = 249

| pastteams = * St. Louis Rams ({{NFL Year|2014}})*

Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
Montreal Alouettes ({{CFL Year|2015}})
Barcelona Dragons (2022)

| pastcoaching = * Barcelona Dragons (2022–2024)
Assistant defensive line coach

Panthers Wrocław (2024–present)
Defensive line coach

| status =

| highlights = * Second-team All-ELF (2022)

Unanimous All-American (2013)
SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
First-team All-SEC (2013)
Arthur Ashe Courage Award (2014)

| pfr = S/SamxMi00

| cfl-archive = https://web.archive.org/web/20150908113851/http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/8027

}}

Michael Alan Sam Jr. (born January 7, 1990) is an American former professional football defensive lineman who is a coach for the Panthers Wrocław in the European League of Football (ELF).{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Ryan |date=June 1, 2022 |title=Michael Sam reaches deal to join Barcelona Dragons after working as defensive line coach |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/michael-sam-reaches-deal-to-join-barcelona-dragons-after-working-as-defensive-line-coach-230937643.html |access-date=June 1, 2022 |website=Yahoo! Sports}} Sam played college football for the Missouri Tigers and was selected by the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League (NFL) in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft.{{cite web|date=May 10, 2014|title=Sam chosen in 7th round by St. Louis Rams|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10913755/2014-nfl-draft-michael-sam-drafted-st-louis-rams-seventh-round|access-date=November 25, 2021|website=ESPN.com|language=en}} He played one game for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL).{{cite news|title=Michael Sam 'never' wanted to play for the Montreal Alouettes|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/michael-sam-nfl-montreal-alouettes-1.3245323|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=cbs news}}

Sam was a unanimous All-American and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at Missouri. After completing his college football career, Sam publicly came out as gay. He became the first publicly gay player to be drafted in the NFL. The Rams released him during the final preseason roster cuts. He also spent time on the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad before being waived. He signed with Montreal before the 2015 season,{{Cite news |last=Mather |first=Victor |date=May 22, 2015 |title=Michael Sam Signs With Montreal Alouettes of C.F.L. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/23/sports/football/michael-sam-signs-with-montreal-alouettes-of-cfl.html |access-date=February 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} and became the first publicly gay player to play in a CFL regular-season game.{{Cite web |title=Michael Sam is 1st openly gay man to play in CFL regular season game |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/michael-sam-is-1st-openly-gay-man-to-play-in-cfl-regular-season-game-1.3183929 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=CBC}}

Early life

Sam attended Hitchcock High School in Hitchcock, Texas.{{Cite news |last1=Drape |first1=Joe |last2=Eder |first2=Steve |last3=Witz |first3=Billy |date=February 11, 2014 |title=Before Coming Out, a Hard Time Growing Up |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/sports/football/for-nfl-prospect-michael-sam-upbringing-was-bigger-challenge-than-coming-out-as-gay.html |access-date=January 20, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} He began traveling with the school's varsity football team while in the eighth grade as a water boy. He later became a member of the team, playing defensive end and offensive tackle.{{cite news |last=Palmer |first=Tod |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/11/07/4605096/missouris-michael-sam-rises-from.html |title=Missouri's Michael Sam rises from small Texas town to national star |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2014}}

He earned first-team All-District honors as a defensive lineman in all four years of high school, and as an offensive lineman in his junior and senior years.{{cite web |url=http://texashsfootball.com/2014/02/09/former-hitchock-and-nfl-prospect-michael-sam-announces-he-is-gay/ |title=Former Hitchcock DE, NFL prospect Michael Sam announces he is gay |publisher=Texas HS Football |access-date=February 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222212002/http://texashsfootball.com/2014/02/09/former-hitchock-and-nfl-prospect-michael-sam-announces-he-is-gay/ |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |url-status=dead }} As a senior, Sam drew attention for his strong performance against Michael Brockers in a game against Chávez High School; Brockers, an All-American, had accepted a scholarship to Louisiana State University.

Out of high school, Sam was considered a two-star college football recruit by Rivals.com.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Michael-Sam-63334 |title=Michael Sam – Yahoo! Sports |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |access-date=February 10, 2014}} He received scholarship offers from Arizona State University, Colorado State University, and the University of Houston, but he wanted to attend Texas A&M University, and waited for a scholarship offer from it.{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20140209/michael-sam-missouri-unheralded-recruit-unstoppable-force/|title=Michael Sam's rise from unheralded recruit to unstoppable SEC force|first=Andy|last=Staples|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=April 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404080528/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20140209/michael-sam-missouri-unheralded-recruit-unstoppable-force/|url-status=dead}}

College career

Sam accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Missouri (Mizzou),{{Cite web |title=Michael Sam Tells Story of Finding His Identity and Coming Out |url=https://alumni.worcester.edu/s/140/social.aspx?sid=140&gid=1&pgid=2801&cid=4809&ecid=4809&crid=0 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=alumni.worcester.edu |language=en}} after he was recruited by Craig Kuligowski, the team's defensive line coach. Kuligowski recruited other players near Hitchcock, which made him familiar with Sam. Sam attended the school from 2009 to 2013. He played for the Tigers, competing in the Big 12 Conference. He redshirted in his first year at Missouri, and recorded 3.5 quarterback sacks, 24 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and one blocked kick as a redshirt freshman. In his sophomore year, Sam intercepted a tipped pass in a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, which secured a victory to make Mizzou bowl eligible.{{cite web|url=http://lubbockonline.com/sports-red-raiders-football/2011-11-19/missouri-scores-late-saves-win-tipped-pass-interception#.UwZWqGJdVjc|title=Missouri scores late, saves win on tipped-pass interception: The Red Raiders have lost four in a row after Deoge's last-minute interception. Tuberville said a Tech victory "just wasn't meant to be."|date=November 19, 2011|first=Don |last=Williams|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|access-date=February 20, 2014}} In 2012, Mizzou transferred to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Sam registered {{frac|3|1|2}} sacks while starting in nine of the team's games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/76836/ten-sec-surprise-players-in-2013|title=Ten SEC surprise players in 2013|publisher=ESPN|date=December 20, 2013|first1=Ed |last1=Aschoff |first2=Chris |last2=Low|access-date=February 20, 2014}}

As a senior in 2013, Sam recorded 11.5 quarterback sacks and 19 tackles for a loss. He led the SEC in both categories, and tied Missouri's single-season record for sacks.{{cite news |last=Palmer |first=Tod |url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article338662/Teammate-proud-that-Michael-Sam-%E2%80%98had-the-courage-to-come-out%E2%80%99.html |title=Teammate proud that Michael Sam 'had the courage to come out' |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=February 9, 2014 |access-date=February 10, 2014}} He was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week in two consecutive weeks, after recording three sacks apiece in games against the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Vanderbilt Commodores.{{cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/10/4543194/singing-joking-michael-sam-sets.html|title=Singing, joking Michael Sam sets the tone for Missouri's defensive line|date=October 10, 2013|first=Tod|last=Palmer|newspaper=The Kansas City Star|access-date=February 13, 2014}} After the season, Sam was named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, with C. J. Mosley of the University of Alabama,{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/12/alabamas_cj_mosley_christion_j.html|title=Alabama's C.J. Mosley, Christion Jones win SEC player of the year awards|first= Michael |last=Casagrande|work=AL.com|date=December 11, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2014}} and a first-team All-SEC selection.{{cite news |last=Kerkhoff |first=Blair |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/09/4681420/defensive-player-of-the-year-michael.html |title=Defensive player of the year Michael Sam leads four Tigers on all-SEC team |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2014}}

Sam was named a first-team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, Sporting News, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Football Writers Association of America.{{cite web|url=http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121213aaa.html |title=Michael Sam Named First-Team All-American by Walter Camp: He Becomes the 33rd All-American in Mizzou Football History|work=mutigers.com|date=December 12, 2013|access-date=May 11, 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/12/4689056/missouris-michael-sam-is-walter.html |title=Missouri's Michael Sam is Walter Camp first-team All-American |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2014}}{{cite news |first=David |last=Eulitt |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/13/4690070/mizzous-michael-sam-is-two-for.html |title=Mizzou's Michael Sam is two for two on All-America teams |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=December 13, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2014}} He was also named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Hendricks Award, and the Lombardi Award. Missouri played in the 2014 Cotton Bowl Classic, in which Sam forced a fumble which was returned for a touchdown, securing Missouri's victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/78454/missouri-defends-sec-with-cotton-bowl-win|title=Mizzou defends SEC with Cotton Bowl win|date=January 4, 2014|first=Brandon |last=Chatmon | publisher=ESPN|access-date=February 20, 2014}}

During his college career, Sam accumulated 123 tackles, including 36 for loss, 21 sacks, six forced fumbles and two intercepted passes.{{cite web |url=http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/michael_sam_452639.html |title=Michael Sam bio |publisher=University of Missouri Official Athletic Site |access-date=February 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404162150/http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/michael_sam_452639.html |archive-date=April 4, 2014 |url-status=dead }} He graduated from Missouri in December 2013. He participated in the 2014 Senior Bowl in January 2014; considered too small to play as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL), he played as an outside linebacker. Sam struggled at the new position.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/2014/01/30/4787048/senior-bowl-losers-missouris-michael.html|title=Senior Bowl losers: Transition to linebacker tough for Missouri's Michael Sam|date=January 30, 2014|first=Terez A.|last=Paylor|work=The Kansas City Star|access-date=February 20, 2014}}

Professional career

=Pre-draft=

Early projections had Sam as a third- or fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft.{{cite news |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/09/4810596/michael-sam-defensive-star-of.html |title=Missouri football star Michael Sam announces he is gay |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |first=Vahe |last=Gregorian |date=February 9, 2014 |access-date=February 10, 2014}} His performance in the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2014 was seen as disappointing, which lowered expectations about whether he would be taken in the draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10912694/2014-nfl-draft-notable-players-available-third-day|title=Michael Sam still on draft board|publisher=ESPN|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=May 10, 2014}} He was considered to be too small to play defensive end and too slow to play outside linebacker.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/michael-sam-drafted-rams-shares-kiss-boyfriend-article-1.1787804|title=Michael Sam shares emotional kiss with boyfriend after he's picked by St. Louis Rams in NFL draft: Saturday's selection made Sam the first openly gay player to be drafted into the league and prompted celebrations at gay bars stretching from Los Angeles to Queens|first1=Melissa|last1=Chan|first2=Rich|last2=Schapiro|first3=Larry|last3=McShane|work=New York Daily News|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2014}} He showed improvement at a public workout a month later, but his pre-draft rankings ranged from 12th to 25th among defensive ends. At the 2013 draft, 33 defensive ends were selected overall, with 23 taken in the final four rounds.{{cite news|last=Pennington |first=Bill |title=Sam and League Share Uncomfortable Scrutiny |date=May 7, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/08/sports/football/michael-sam-adds-a-gay-subplot-to-the-nfl-draft.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613081235/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/08/sports/football/michael-sam-adds-a-gay-subplot-to-the-nfl-draft.html?_r=1 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |url-status=live }}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 2

| weight = 261

| dash = 4.91

| ten split = 1.74

| twenty split = 2.85

| shuttle = 4.70

| cone drill = 7.80

| vertical = 25.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 6

| bench = 19

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 33 3/8

| hand span = 9 3/8

| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{cite web|author=Nolan Nawrocki |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/michael-sam/32005341-4d00-2347-5f58-f41077958f33 |title=Michael Sam Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |work=NFL.com |access-date=February 27, 2014}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Draft Scout Michael Sam College Football Profile |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=96267&DraftYear=2014 |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}

}}

=St. Louis Rams=

File:Michael Sam 2014.jpg

The St. Louis Rams drafted Sam in the seventh round, the 249th of 256 players selected in the 2014 draft.{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Rams reportedly took Michael Sam in 2014 draft in deal with NFL |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/rams-reportedly-took-michael-sam-in-2014-draft-in-deal-with-nfl/ |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2014 |title=Sam chosen in 7th round by St. Louis Rams |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10913755/2014-nfl-draft-michael-sam-drafted-st-louis-rams-seventh-round |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He became the first publicly gay player to be drafted into the NFL.{{cite news|last=Belson |first=Ken |title=In Historic Pick, Rams Take Michael Sam in Final Round of Draft |date=May 10, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html?_r=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101232011/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html?_r=1 |archive-date=November 1, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/10/us/football-michael-sam/|title=Michael Sam makes history: First openly gay player drafted in the NFL|first=Chelsea J. |last=Carter|work=CNN|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=May 10, 2014}} In a statement, President Barack Obama said that he "congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward today in our Nation's journey" and that "[f]rom the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove every day that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are."{{cite news|title=Sam becomes first openly gay player drafted into NFL|url=https://news.yahoo.com/sam-becomes-first-openly-gay-player-drafted-nfl-231726522--nfl.html|access-date=May 11, 2014|newspaper=Yahoo! News}}{{cite news|title=Obama congratulates Michael Sam, first openly gay player drafted by NFL|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/10/us/football-michael-sam/|access-date=May 11, 2014|newspaper=CNN|date=May 10, 2014}} St. Louis Rams jerseys bearing his name became the second best selling rookie jerseys at the NFL's website behind Cleveland Browns' quarterback (and Heisman Trophy winner) Johnny Manziel.{{cite news|last=Boren|first=Cindy | title=Michael Sam trails only Johnny Manziel in rookie jersey sales after NFL draft | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/05/12/michael-sam-trails-only-johnny-manziel-in-jersey-sales-after-nfl-draft | access-date=May 13, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 13, 2014}} During the period from April 1 through July 17, Sam's jersey ranked sixth in sales among all NFL players.{{cite news|last=Sessler |first=Marc |title=Browns' Johnny Manziel leads NFL in jersey sales |date=July 21, 2014 |work=NFL.com |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000366369/printable/browns-johnny-manziel-leads-nfl-in-jersey-sales |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903151334/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000366369/printable/browns-johnny-manziel-leads-nfl-in-jersey-sales |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Sam made his professional debut on August 8, 2014,{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=August 9, 2014 |title=Michael Sam makes NFL debut |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/08/michael-sam-makes-nfl-debut/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} during the first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, where he made one tackle in the game on quarterback Ryan Griffin. During the second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Sam recorded his first professional sack where he sacked Matt Flynn. In preseason game 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Sam sacked Manziel. In four exhibition games, Sam recorded 11 tackles and 3 sacks, including a team-leading 6 tackles in the final game. "I believe he can play in this league", Rams coach Jeff Fisher said, two days before cutting him from the roster.{{cite news|last=Farmer |first=Sam |title=Michael Sam, NFL's first openly gay player, is cut by St. Louis Rams |date=August 30, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-michael-sam-rams-20140830-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831001539/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-michael-sam-rams-20140830-story.html |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |url-status=live }} On August 30, St. Louis released Sam as part of a final round of cuts to reduce their roster to the league-mandated 53 players before the start of the regular season. The Rams, who kept nine defensive linemen, chose to retain undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks over Sam.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11431047/michael-sam-cut-st-louis-rams|title=Michael Sam cut by Rams|date=August 30, 2014|first=Nick |last=Wagoner | publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 30, 2014}} While their statistics were similar, Westbrooks provided the versatility to play all four defensive line positions, while Sam had been playing virtually exclusively as a left defensive end.{{cite news|last=Wagoner |first=Nick |title=Sam simply on wrong side of numbers |date=August 30, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11070/sam-simply-on-wrong-side-of-numbers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831160249/http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11070/sam-simply-on-wrong-side-of-numbers |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |url-status=live }} Of the 41 picks in the seventh round in the 2014 draft, only 22 made initial 53-man rosters. Opting to add depth at other positions, St. Louis did not add Sam to their practice squad after he cleared waivers.{{cite news|last=Wagoner |first=Nick |title=Sam not on Rams' practice squad |date=September 1, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11449387/st-louis-rams-finalize-practice-squad-minus-michael-sam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902064052/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11449387/st-louis-rams-finalize-practice-squad-minus-michael-sam |archive-date=September 2, 2014 |url-status=live }} Many people believe that the decision to cut Sam from the NFL was due to the underlying issue of homophobia within American football.{{cite book |last1=Han |first1=C. Winter |last2=Smith |first2=Jesús Gregorio |title=Home and Community for Queer Men of Color: The Intersection of Race and Sexuality |date=January 15, 2020 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4985-8230-8 |page=9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HTbDDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR9 |language=en}} "Not much after his initial drafting in the NFL, Sam was eventually cut from the league with many people feeling underline issues of homophobia as the main reason (Ziegler 2014)."

=Dallas Cowboys=

On September 3, 2014, Sam was added to the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-sam-signed-to-dallas-cowboys-practice-squad/|title=Michael Sam signed to Dallas Cowboys practice squad|date=September 3, 2014|publisher=CBS News|access-date=October 21, 2014}}{{Cite news |last=Calamur |first=Krishnadev |date=September 3, 2014 |title=Michael Sam Added To Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/09/03/345576316/michael-sam-added-to-dallas-cowboys-practice-squad |access-date=December 9, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2014 |title=Michael Sam joins Dallas Cowboys' practice squad |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/03/michael-sam-dallas-cowboys-nfl |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} On October 21, the Cowboys waived Sam to make room for linebacker Troy Davis.{{cite web|url=http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2014/10/21/cowboys-waive-michael-sam-practice-squad|title=Cowboys Waive Michael Sam From Practice Squad|work=Dallas Cowboys|access-date=October 21, 2014}}{{cite news|last=Curtis|first=Bryan|title=The Kiss|date=December 12, 2014|work=Grantland|url=http://grantland.com/features/the-kiss-michael-sam-nfl-what-we-saw-dallas-cowboys-st-louis-rams/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213011425/http://grantland.com/features/the-kiss-michael-sam-nfl-what-we-saw-dallas-cowboys-st-louis-rams/|archive-date=December 13, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Tim|last=Hill|title='Football is over' for Michael Sam if he doesn't return to Montreal Alouettes|date=June 15, 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/15/football-is-over-for-michael-sam-if-he-doesnt-return-to-montreal-alouettes|access-date=April 25, 2021}}

=2015 NFL Veteran Combine=

Sam participated in the first NFL Veteran Combine, running 4.99 seconds in the 40-yard dash.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12559193/michael-sam-ran-499-second-40-yard-dash-nfl-veterans-combine|title=Michael Sam ran 4.99-second 40|last=Weinfuss|first=Josh|date=March 26, 2015}}{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-to-host-inaugural-veteran-combine-0ap3000000478211|title=NFL to host inaugural Veteran Combine|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 22, 2015}}{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/michael-sam-confident-nfl-team-will-come-calling-0ap3000000480574|title=Michael Sam 'confident' NFL team will come calling|first= Marc|last=Sessler|date=March 22, 2015|access-date=March 22, 2015}}

=Montreal Alouettes=

On May 22, 2015, Sam signed a two-year contract with Montreal Alouettes of the CFL,{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/article/d-lineman-michael-sam-signs-with-alouettes|title=D-lineman Michael Sam signs with Alouettes|author=|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=May 22, 2015|work=CFL.ca|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525005537/http://www.cfl.ca/article/d-lineman-michael-sam-signs-with-alouettes|archive-date=May 25, 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2015/05/22/michael-sam-joins-alouettes-first-openly-gay-cfl-player.html|title=Michael Sam joins Alouettes, first openly gay CFL player|last=Campbell|first=Morgan|work=Toronto Star|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=May 22, 2015}} which made him the first openly gay player in the league's history.{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=Bryan Armen |date=May 22, 2015 |title=Michael Sam signs two-year contract with CFL's Montreal Alouettes |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/22/michael-sam-signs-two-year-contract-with-cfls-montreal-alouettes |access-date=August 30, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}

On June 12, a day before the Alouettes' first preseason game, Sam was granted permission to leave camp for "personal reasons" to return home to Texas, and was placed on the suspended list.{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/sam-leaves-als-training-camp-1.306592|title=Sam leaves Als training camp|author=|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=June 12, 2015}} The specific reason for his departure has never been publicized. On June 26, the team announced Sam had returned to Montreal and would resume practicing with the team on June 30.[https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13155722/michael-sam-returns-montreal-expected-rejoin-alouettes-weekend "Michael Sam returns to Montreal, is expected to rejoin CFL team Sunday"]. ESPN, June 26, 2015. After sitting out the team's first five games, he made his CFL debut on August 7, 2015, against the Ottawa Redblacks, and became the first publicly gay player to play in a CFL regular season game. He did not record a tackle in the game.{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/michael-sam-is-1st-openly-gay-man-to-play-in-cfl-regular-season-game-1.3183929 | title=Michael Sam is 1st openly gay man to play in CFL regular season game | publisher=cbc.ca | date=August 7, 2015 | access-date=August 9, 2015}}{{cite news|title=Michael Sam Says He's Leaving Montreal's Alouettes |date=August 14, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |agency=AP |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/08/14/world/ap-fbo-cfl-sam-departs.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818015952/http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/08/14/world/ap-fbo-cfl-sam-departs.html?_r=0 |archive-date=August 18, 2015 |url-status=live }} Sam missed the next game after the team reported he had a sore back. He left the team the following day, citing concerns with his mental health after a 12-month stretch which he described as "difficult". Montreal again placed him on their suspended list. After leaving Montreal, Sam told radio host Dan Patrick on his show he never wanted to play in the CFL to begin with.{{Cite web |date=September 25, 2015 |title=Michael Sam: I want to play in the NFL, wasn't getting better in the CFL |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/25/michael-sam-i-want-to-play-in-the-nfl-wasnt-getting-better-in-the-cfl/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} "It was a really last call to go to the CFL. I never really wanted to go to the CFL, but I did and I committed to going".{{cite news|title = 'I never really wanted to go to the CFL': Michael Sam|url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/michael-sam-nfl-montreal-alouettes-1.3245323|website = www.cbc.ca|access-date = December 28, 2015}}

=Hiatus=

On August 14, 2015, Sam announced, on Twitter, he was stepping away from professional football due to mental health reasons.{{cite news|last1=Dubin|first1=Jared|title=Michael Sam, first openly gay player, retires for mental health reasons|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/michael-sam-first-openly-gay-player-retires-for-mental-health-reasons/|work=CBS.com|date=August 14, 2015}}{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2015 |title=Michael Sam says he's stepping away from football citing 'mental health' |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/14/michael-sam-says-hes-stepping-away-from-football-citing-mental-health |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2015 |title=Sam announces he will step away from football |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13440475/michael-sam-announces-stepping-away-football |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He was out of football for seven years.{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Andy |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Journalism Showcase: SportsCenter Catches Up With Michael Sam |url=https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2022/08/journalism-showcase-sportscenter-catches-up-with-michael-sam/ |access-date=January 25, 2023 |website=ESPN Front Row |language=en-US}} In that time, he shared his experiences as an author and motivational speaker.{{cite news|last1=Materazzo|first1=Miranda|title=Former NFL player Michael Sam to be keynote speaker at JCC Leadership Day|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/former-nfl-player-michael-sam-to-be-keynote-speaker-at-jcc-leadership-day-20171016|work=Watertown Daily Times|date=October 16, 2017|location=Watertown, New York|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016173835/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/former-nfl-player-michael-sam-to-be-keynote-speaker-at-jcc-leadership-day-20171016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.out.com/sports/2019/3/22/michael-sam-now-football |title=Five Years Later, Michael Sam Is Doing Just Fine, Thanks |last=Garcia |first=Michelle |work=Out |date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=June 7, 2019}}

Coaching career

=Barcelona Dragons=

On April 10, 2022, it was announced that Sam had been hired as the assistant defensive line coach for the Barcelona Dragons of the European League of Football.{{cite web|last=McDaniel |first=Mike |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/04/11/michael-sam-joins-barcelona-dragons-as-defensive-line-coach |title=Michael Sam joins Barcelona Dragons as defensive line coach - Sports Illustrated |publisher=Si.com |date=April 11, 2022 |accessdate=August 10, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=Barcelona Dragons hire former NFL player Michael Sam as assistant defensive line coach {{!}} European League of Football News |url=https://europeanleague.football/elf-news/barcelona-dragons-hire-former-nfl-player-michael-sam-as-assistant-defensive-line-coach |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=europeanleague.football |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=McDaniel |first=Mike |date=April 11, 2022 |title=Michael Sam Joins Barcelona Dragons as Defensive Line Coach |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/04/11/michael-sam-joins-barcelona-dragons-as-defensive-line-coach |access-date=August 30, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}

On June 1, the team announced that Sam had been signed as a player after a roster spot opened up.{{cite web|last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |url=https://www.outsports.com/2022/6/3/23152665/michael-sam-football-barcelona-dragons-gay-athlete |title=Michael Sam returns to football, added to Barcelona Dragons roster |publisher=Outsports |date= June 3, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Alex |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Michael Sam says playing for the Barcelona Dragons has saved his life |url=https://www.outsports.com/2022/8/8/23296920/michael-sam-barcelona-dragons-gay-espn |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Outsports |language=en}} He started as a defensive lineman in the team's first game on June 5.{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Tom |title=Eight years after historic NFL draft selection, Michael Sam returns to football as a coach in Europe |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/05/28/michael-sam-barcelona-dragons-football-nfl-draft/9959322002/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Mike |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Missouri Legend Michael Sam Returns to Pro Football in Unusual Role |url=https://www.si.com/college/missouri/news/missouri-legend-michael-sam-gay-return-pro-football-unusual-role-coach-player |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website= |language=en}}

=Panthers Wrocław=

On February 25, 2024, it was announced that Sam had been hired as the assistant defensive line coach for the Panthers Wrocław of the European League of Football.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

Personal life

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| image1 = Westboro Baptist Church protests Michael Sam.jpg

| caption1 = Members of the Westboro Baptist Church protest Sam and the University of Missouri.

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Sam is the seventh of eight children born to JoAnn and Michael Alan Sam Sr. His parents separated when he was young. As a child, Sam watched one of his older brothers die from a gunshot wound. Another older brother has been missing since 1998,{{cite web |url=http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/s/sam_julian.html |title=Julian Michael Sam |publisher=The Charley Project |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923202345/http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/s/sam_julian.html |url-status=dead }} and his other two brothers are in prison. A sister who was born before him died in infancy. At one point in his childhood, Sam lived in his mother's car. He was once accidentally maced by police who were arresting one of his brothers.

Sam argued with his mother, a Jehovah's Witness, over playing football, as she did not agree with those pursuits. Sam often stayed with friends while in high school; the parents of a classmate gave him a bedroom in their house and had him complete household chores. Sam is the first member of his family to attend college.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/sports/michael-sam-college-football-star-says-he-is-gay-ahead-of-nfl-draft.html?hp&_r=0|newspaper=The New York Times|first=John|last=Branch|title=N.F.L. Prospect Michael Sam Proudly Says What Teammates Knew: He's Gay|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=February 10, 2014}}

In August 2013, Sam took the opportunity of a team introduce-yourself session to inform his Missouri teammates that he was gay, and found them supportive. He avoided talking to the media to avoid addressing rumors of his sexuality.{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/kansas-city/story/michael-sam-s-career-accomplishments-at-mizzou-won-t-soon-be-forgotten-122413|title=Michael Sam's career accomplishments at Mizzou won't soon be forgotten|first=Nate |last=Latsch|work=FOX Sports|date=December 24, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2014}} He came out to his father a week before coming out publicly.{{Cite web |title=Michael Sam's Dad After 'I'm Gay' Text: Shocked and Proud |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/michael-sam-comes-out/michael-sams-dad-after-im-gay-text-shocked-proud-n26571 |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=NBC News |date=February 10, 2014 |language=en}} The New York Times wrote that his father, a self-described "old-school ... man-and-a-woman type of guy", said "I don't want my grandkids raised in that kind of environment."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/sports/football/for-nfl-prospect-michael-sam-upbringing-was-bigger-challenge-than-coming-out-as-gay.html?hp&_r=0|title=Before Coming Out, a Hard Time Coming Up: Michael Sam's Troubled Upbringing in Texas|first1=Joe|last1=Drape|first2=Steve|last2=Eder|first3=Billy|last3=Witz|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 11, 2014|access-date=February 12, 2014}} His father told the Galveston Daily News that he was "terribly misquoted", though The New York Times maintained that he was quoted "accurately and fairly."{{cite news|title=Michael Sam's father denies remarks |date=February 14, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10455131/michael-sam-sr-says-was-terribly-misquoted |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215021203/http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10455131/michael-sam-sr-says-was-terribly-misquoted |archive-date=February 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}

On February 9, 2014, in an interview with Chris Connelly on ESPN's Outside the Lines,{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2014 |title=NFL draft prospect Sam says he's gay |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Sam responded to questions about his coming-out experience and his status as one of college football's first openly self-acknowledged gay players. At the time, no active NFL player had ever come out publicly.{{cite news |title=Michael Sam says he's gay |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay |work=ESPN |first=Chris |last=Connelly |date=February 9, 2014|access-date=February 9, 2014}} Anonymous NFL executives told Sports Illustrated they expected Sam to fall in the draft as a result of his announcement.{{cite news |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/09/4810967/michael-sam-goes-from-football.html |title=Michael Sam goes from football star to pioneer |date=February 9, 2014 |first=Sam |last=Mellinger |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |access-date=February 10, 2014}} Those statements caused National Football League Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith to respond that any team official who anonymously downgrades Sam is "gutless".{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10437044/demaurice-smith-rips-unnamed-general-managers-downgraded-michael-sam |title=DeMaurice Smith rips unnamed general managers who downgraded Michael Sam |publisher=ESPN |date=January 1, 2008 |access-date=February 14, 2014}} From jail, his brother Josh said, "I'm proud of him for not becoming like me. I still love him, whatever his lifestyle is. He's still my brother and I love him."{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10453954/michael-sam-safe-havens-football-surrogate-family|title=Michael Sam's safe havens: Football, surrogate family kept him off path of siblings who are dead or jailed|publisher=ESPN|first=Tania |last=Ganguli|date=February 14, 2014|access-date=February 15, 2014}}

The week after his ESPN interview, Sam returned to Missouri with the Tigers football team to accept the 2014 Cotton Bowl championship trophy at a ceremony held at the halftime of a Missouri Tigers basketball game at Mizzou Arena.{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2014 |title=Michael Sam gets standing ovation at Missouri basketball game (Video) |url=https://fansided.com/2014/02/16/michael-sam-gets-standing-ovation-missouri-basketball-game-video/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=FanSided |language=en-US}} Anti-gay activist Shirley Phelps-Roper and about 15 other members of the Westboro Baptist Church, an organization widely considered a hate group, protested his appearance. Students organized a counter-protest numbering in the thousands,{{#tag:ref|Missouri University police estimated around 500,{{cite news|title='Stand with Sam' human wall draws large crowd before Tennessee-Missouri basketball game|url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/stand-with-sam-human-wall-draws-large-crowd-before-tennessee/article_db92cd6c-9686-11e3-8141-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=February 20, 2014|newspaper=Columbia Daily Tribune|date=February 15, 2014|first=David |last=Morrison}} others reported a thousand or more,{{cite news|last=Latsch |first=Nate |title=Supporters 'Stand With Sam' to block Westboro Baptist Church protest of former Tiger |date=February 15, 2014 |work=FoxSports.com |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/midwest/story/supporters-stand-with-sam-to-block-westboro-baptist-church-protest-of-former-tiger-021514 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302181416/http://msn.foxsports.com/midwest/story/supporters-stand-with-sam-to-block-westboro-baptist-church-protest-of-former-tiger-021514 |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Bennett |first=Colette |title=Mizzou stands with Sam, stands down Westboro protesters with human wall |date=February 17, 2014 |work=CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/17/us/missouri-sam-westboro-protesters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303074016/http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/17/us/missouri-sam-westboro-protesters/ |archive-date=March 3, 2014 |url-status=live }} while ESPN.com estimated around 2,000.|group=lower-alpha}} assembling a "human wall" in front of the protesters.{{cite news|title=Showing How It's Done Mizzou students protected Michael Sam from seeing church protesters|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10466480/mizzou-students-display-true-spirit-supporting-michael-sam|publisher=ESPN|first=Rick|last=Reilly|date=February 18, 2014|access-date=February 26, 2014}}

After being drafted by the Rams, Sam's emotional reaction to his draft was broadcast live on television, during which he kissed his boyfriend, Vito Cammisano.{{Cite web |last=Alsup |first=Holly Yan,Dave |date=May 12, 2014 |title=NFL draft: Reactions heat up after Michael Sam kisses boyfriend on TV |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/05/12/us/michael-sam-nfl-kiss-reaction/index.html |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Farhi |first=Paul |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Kiss cam: How ESPN, Michael Sam and his boyfriend broke new ground |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/kiss-cam-how-espn-michael-sam-and-his-boyfriend-broke-new-ground/2014/05/12/bff5120e-da1a-11e3-bda1-9b46b2066796_story.html |access-date=August 30, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}} Reported to have been dating Sam for several months, Cammisano is a fellow alum of the University of Missouri and was a member of the school's swim team.{{cite news|title=Michael Sam and boyfriend Vito Cammisano party in Las Vegas after NFL draft selection|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/michael-sam-boyfriend-revealed-article-1.1788155|work=New York Daily News|first=Daniel|last=Beekman|date=May 12, 2014|access-date=May 12, 2014}} In January 2015, Sam and Cammisano announced their engagement.{{cite news|last1=Webber|first1=Stephanie|title=Michael Sam Engaged to Boyfriend Vito Cammisano|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/michael-sam-engaged-to-boyfriend-vito-cammisano-201591|access-date=January 9, 2015|work=Us Weekly|date=January 9, 2015|location=United States}}{{cite news|last=Fieldstadt|first=Elisha|title=Michael Sam Confirms His Engagement in a Tweet|date=January 16, 2015|work=NBCNews.com|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/michael-sam-confirms-his-engagement-tweet-n288086|access-date=January 19, 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |title=Michael Sam Engaged to Boyfriend Vito Cammisano |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2325138-michael-sam-reportedly-engaged-to-boyfriend-vito-cammisano |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} However, the couple ended their relationship in June 2015, although they have remained friends.{{cite web |url=http://instinctmagazine.com/post/michael-sam-vito-cammisano-reunite-support-spirit-day |title=Michael Sam & Vito Cammisano Reunite To Support Spirit Day |work=Instinct |date=October 15, 2015 |access-date=November 4, 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Corneau |first=Allison |date=June 30, 2015 |title=Michael Sam, Vito Cammisano Split After Six-Month Engagement |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/michael-sam-vito-cammisano-split-after-six-month-engagement-2015306/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}}

In April 2016 Sam spoke with LGBTQ advocacy groups at the Missouri State Capitol{{Cite web |title=Michael Sam slams Missouri's religious objections bill |url=https://apnews.com/article/75281c95b31443fe849c23ec140a571c |access-date=January 25, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |date=April 21, 2016 |language=en}} against a bill and personally lobbied state legislators.[https://www.stltoday.com/news/michael-sam-slams-missouri-s-religious-objections-bill/article_455d3b7e-706c-55d3-9d8c-5e4cf783527f.html Michael Sam slams Missouri's religious objections bill]

=''Dancing with the Stars''=

On February 24, 2015, Sam was announced as one of the celebrities to compete on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars.{{Cite news |last=Leopold |first=Todd |date=February 24, 2015 |title=Michael Sam, Suzanne Somers among 'Dancing's' new contestants |language=en |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/24/entertainment/feat-dancing-with-the-stars-new-season-contestants/index.html |access-date=December 9, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=February 24, 2015 |title='DWTS' Season 20 Cast Revealed: Michael Sam, Patti LaBelle & More |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/dancing-with-the-stars-cast-season-20-partners-dwts-1201440013/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} He partnered with professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dancing-stars-2015-season-20-celebrity-cast-announced/story?id=29166872 |title='Dancing With the Stars' 2015: Season 20 Celebrity Cast Announced – ABC News |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=February 24, 2015 |access-date=October 8, 2015}}{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2015 |title=Michael Sam crushed his first routine on 'Dancing With the Stars' |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/michael-sam-crushed-his-first-routine-on-dancing-with-the-stars |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website= |language=en-US}} They were eliminated in the fourth week of competition and finished in tenth place.{{cite news|last=Stabile|first=Maria|date=April 6, 2015|url=http://news.lalate.com/2015/04/06/dancing-with-the-stars-2015-results-tonight-michael-sam-gets-dwts-elimination/|title=Dancing with the Stars 2015 results tonight: Michael Sam gets DWTS elimination|work=Lalate News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411041734/http://news.lalate.com/2015/04/06/dancing-with-the-stars-2015-results-tonight-michael-sam-gets-dwts-elimination|archive-date=April 11, 2015}}

Honors and accolades

Sam won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2014 ESPY Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10894871/michael-sam-wins-arthur-ashe-courage-award|title=Michael Sam wins Arthur Ashe Award|publisher=ESPN|date=May 7, 2014|access-date=October 21, 2014}}{{Cite web |title=Michael Sam wins Arthur Ashe Courage Award |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2014/05/07/michael-sam-wins-arthur-ashe-courage-award/8799223/ |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Ashley |date=July 16, 2014 |title=ESPYs: Michael Sam Receives Arthur Ashe Courage Award, 'We Can Save Lives' (Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/espys-michael-sam-receives-arthur-719175/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} He was named one of GQ{{'}}s Men of the Year,{{cite web|url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/181786/michael-sam-named-one-of-gqs-men-of-the-year/|title=Michael Sam named one of GQ's Men of the Year|work=Columbia Missourian|date=November 17, 2014|access-date=November 19, 2014}}{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2014 |title=Michael Sam named GQ's Man of the Year 2014: NFL's first openly gay |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michael-sam-named-gq-s-man-of-the-year-2014-nfl-s-first-openly-gay-player-honoured-9867546.html |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=The Independent |language=en}} and a finalist for Sports Illustrated{{'}}s Sportsman of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/181164/sports-illustrated-makes-michael-sam-a-sportsman-finalist/|title=Sports Illustrated makes Michael Sam a Sportsman finalist|work=Columbia Missourian|first=Erik|last=Hall|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=November 19, 2014}}{{Cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |date=November 5, 2014 |title=SI nominates Michael Sam for Sportsman of the Year |url=https://www.outsports.com/2014/11/5/7162273/sports-illustrated-michael-sam-sportsman-of-the-year |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=Outsports |language=en}}

Notes

References

External links

{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/michaelsam/2543734/profile|title=Michael Sam, DE|work=NFL.com}}
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/michael-sam-1.html College stats]

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{{2013 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen

Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people

Category:All-American college football players

Category:American football defensive ends

Category:American motivational speakers

Category:Canadian football defensive linemen

Category:Dallas Cowboys players