NFL Prospect Michael Sam May Become the First Openly Gay Player in the League

Michael Sam comes out; NFL prepares to answer 'Now what?' (The Chicago Tribune)

Here’s your surface-level scouting report on Michael Sam: He’s a defensive end from Missouri. Stands 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 260 pounds. He led the SEC in sacks this past season with 11.5, won the conference’s defensive player of the year award and helped Missouri reach the conference title game.

He’s fast and instinctive and can move around but may leave some teams at the NFL wondering whether he’s better suited on the defensive line or as an outside linebacker.

Oh, and in case you missed it, Sam made it public Sunday that he is gay.

Openly so. And he’s preparing for the blitz of support and criticism and non-stop coverage that is already coming his way. So perhaps it’s time to tack on “courageous” and “determined” to the Sam scouting report as he continues along his path toward the NFL.