How Michael Sam overcame a troubled childhood to make NFL history

Michael Sam, a former defensive lineman for the University of Missouri, made history by becoming the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL. Prior to his coming out, Sam had already shared his sexual orientation with his teammates, but he chose to publicly announce it through an interview with The New York Times in February 2014. This decision came after he had already been drafted by an NFL team, making him a trailblazer in the world of professional sports.

Sam's journey to becoming a professional athlete was not without its challenges. Growing up in a large family in Hitchcock, Texas, Sam faced numerous setbacks, including the tragic loss of his sister and brother, and the absence of his father who left the family when he was five. His mother worked to support the family, while his older brother Julian took on the role of caregiver for the remaining siblings. Unfortunately, Julian disappeared in 1998, leaving Sam and his little sister at the school bus stop to wait for him.

Despite the hardships, sports provided Sam with a much-needed escape. He excelled in football, even making the varsity team as a freshman, an achievement that was rare in the football-centric Texas. His talent eventually caught the attention of college recruiters, leading to multiple scholarship offers. Sam chose to attend the University of Missouri, where he continued to pursue his passion for football while also striving to excel academically.

During his time at Missouri, Sam came to terms with his sexuality. It wasn't until his sophomore year that he realized he was gay. Despite this realization, he initially tried to deny his feelings, even in college. However, his relationship with fellow swimmer Vito Cammisano helped him to confront his identity. The two began dating secretly, but as rumors about their relationship spread, Sam distanced himself from Cammisano, feeling conflicted about his own identity.

Sam's struggle with his sexual orientation came to a head when he was confronted by Cammisano about looking in the mirror. This moment forced Sam to confront the fact that he was not being authentic, and he began exploring the LGBTQ community to better understand himself. He found acceptance and support within the community, particularly through attending St. Louis Pride and later becoming involved with the LGBTQ community in Columbia, Missouri.

Following his revelation to his teammates, Sam's college football career reached new heights. He was eventually drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Sam's story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of acceptance, perseverance, and finding one's true self, even in the face of adversity.