Michael Sam is a former professional football player who made history as the first openly gay player to be drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in 2014. Since then, he has made headlines for his activism and advocacy work, both within and outside of the sports world. So, what is Michael Sam doing now? Let’s take a closer look.
Early Life and Football Career
Before we dive into Michael Sam’s current endeavors, let’s first take a look at his early life and football career. Sam was born in Galveston, Texas in 1990 and was raised in a large family with six siblings. He attended the University of Missouri, where he played football for the Tigers.
During his time at Mizzou, Sam became a standout defensive end and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He was also named to the First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-American teams that same year.
Making History in the NFL
In 2014, Michael Sam made history when he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the NFL draft. This made him the first openly gay player to be drafted into the league. However, Sam’s time in the NFL was short-lived. He was cut from the Rams’ roster during the preseason and was later signed to the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad.
Sam’s journey in the NFL was not an easy one. He faced criticism and discrimination from some members of the media and the football community due to his sexuality. However, he also received an outpouring of support from many fans and allies.
Activism and Advocacy Work
Following his time in the NFL, Michael Sam has become a prominent activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in sports. He has spoken at numerous events and conferences about his experiences and has been a vocal supporter of organizations such as Athlete Ally and the You Can Play Project.
Sam has also been involved in various media projects related to his activism work. In 2016, he starred in his own documentary series, “The Untitled Michael Sam Project,” which followed his journey as he attempted to make a comeback in professional football. The series was ultimately not picked up by a network, but Sam’s story continued to inspire many.
Personal Life
In addition to his work as an activist and advocate, Michael Sam has also been open about his personal life in recent years. In 2014, he publicly came out as gay in an interview with ESPN. He has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, Vito Cammisano, since 2011.
In 2017, Sam revealed that he had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts following his departure from the NFL. He sought treatment for his mental health and has since been open about his experiences in order to help break down stigma and encourage others to seek help when needed.
Conclusion
Overall, Michael Sam’s story is one of resilience and courage. Despite facing numerous obstacles throughout his football career, he has continued to use his platform to advocate for change and promote inclusion and acceptance in sports and beyond. Today, he remains an important figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a powerful voice for those who have faced discrimination and stigma.
