Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Michael Sam ready to get back to football
Share This Post
Comments
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 11:30am

ST. LOUIS -- The overflow crowd at Rams Park did not intimidate Michael Sam.

He seemed almost eager for the attention and scrutiny.

The first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team was confident and engaged Tuesday as he was formally introduced by the St. Louis Rams, handling questions and scrutiny with aplomb well beyond that of a typical seventh-round pick.

"I'm determined to be great," Sam said. "I understand that right now you guys want to make a big deal of it."

Sam put his arm around coach Jeff Fisher after sharing the podium with other late-round picks.

He joked that he'd never before heard the term "tweener" and even rose in his chair in mock intimidation of fellow Missouri draftee E.J. Gaines, a sixth-rounder who'd been asked what the SEC co-defensive player of the year was like as a teammate.

Sam, who came out to teammates and coaches before his senior season at Missouri, disagreed that his sexuality had been a secret.

"Apparently, everybody else makes a big deal out of it," Sam said. "But my teammates and my school didn't."

"It's OK to be who you are," he added. "Whether you're gay, straight, black or white, it's OK to be comfortable in your own skin."

After getting the go-ahead from owner Stan Kroenke and making the pick Saturday, Fisher called it a "second historic moment" for a franchise that signed running back Kenny Washington in 1946 as the NFL's first black player in the modern era.

Just as in his post-draft teleconference with St. Louis media that was sprinkled with salty language, Sam was feisty.

He's had a few months to get accustomed to the role of trailblazer instead of a silent star.

Sure, he's a role model. Right now he'd much rather be the Rams' description of "designated pass rusher."

"I will always support equality, period," Sam said. "But my job is to focus on football and help this team win a championship."

The appearance of perhaps the most famous seventh-round pick in NFL history attracted a massive amount of people.

A half-dozen TV trucks lined a crammed parking lot at Rams Park, an hour before the team's two first-round picks were due at the podium.

About 80 media members attended the news conferences.

Three days earlier when the Rams chose Sam with the No. 249 overall pick, the media contingent was in single digits.

"There's some energy here," general manager Les Snead said with a smile between rounds of interviews. "But I don't think this is a circus. This deserves attention, but we'll get it over and we'll get to work."

Sam shared the dais with five other players taken in the sixth and seventh rounds Saturday as the draft came to a close.

Snead joked that Tennessee State center Demetrius Rhaney, taken one pick after Sam at 250th overall, should get the first question after it got lost in the hubbub Saturday.

"I'm not sure anybody knows we drafted Demetrius," Snead said, adding that he hoped someday that pick 249 will someday be a footnote in sports history, and not such a big deal.

For Sam's subsequent solo session with reporters, he was flanked by Fisher and Snead, with Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff joining the group.

Everyone seemed eager to embrace Sam.

Second-round pick Lamarcus Joyner, a cornerback from Florida State, has never had an openly gay teammate. He applauded Sam's decision.

"He's a courageous young man," Joyner said. "He's a brave young man that we need in this organization."

The team's two first-round picks were first to the podium. Offensive tackle Greg Robinson, chosen second overall, sported a bow tie.

Both got their due. Both welcomed Sam to the family.

Robinson and Sam did a TV commercial together for a credit card company. Aaron Donald met Sam at ceremonies for the Lombardi and Nagurski awards.

"He's a cool guy," Donald said. "He's a football player, he works his butt off and that's what you want. You want playmakers around you and he's a playmaker.

Third-round pick Tre Mason, a running back from Auburn, said Sam was a "man of his own and he's entitled to do that."

"We're a team and he's also a family member to me now."

Sam will put on the pads later in the week when the team holds a three-day rookie orientation, much, if not all of it, closed to the media.

The Rams drafted Sam even though they didn't need help at defensive end, where they have a pair of first-round picks as starters.

Robert Quinn was second in the NFL with 19 sacks last season and Chris Long has been a standout since getting chosen second overall in 2008. But the Rams were well-stocked with picks, finishing with 11 selections, putting them in unique position to make history.

"Shortly before we got to our pick, Michael's value as a football player was off the charts," Fisher said. "He has an opportunity now to come in and compete to try to make our team."

Sam realizes it's up to him to make the most of this chance, and he bristles at the naysayers who contend he's in the NFL only because he came out.

"Will I make the cut?" he said, repeating a question. "You want to find out in a couple months, huh?"

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Kawakami: Kerr chose bright future of Warriors over instability of Knicks
YSTL: Johnson on 49ers' WRs: 'Everybody in the room is a No. 1'
Pence on Sandoval: 'I'm proud of him'
Bumgarner: 'Offense picked me up big time'

Giants

Rewind: Blanco runs, Giants kick it old school to beat Braves
Simmering Sandoval questionable to play vs. Marlins
Instant Replay: Giants run over Braves, 10-4
Giants notes: Blanco finds himself, Posey's lesson, etc.
Read More

Athletics

Rewind: Promising homestand ends on a flat note
Rangers put lefties Perez, Harrison on DL
Instant Replay: Bullpen blows lead, A's win streak ends
A's putting Gentry to good use early in season
Read More

Sharks

Kings edge Ducks to force Game 7
Wilson, McLellan officially returning for Sharks
Stay or Go, Part 3: Sharks goalies
Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (5.14.14)
Read More

49ers

49ers sign fifth-round pick Reaser
Brother of 49ers' Looney transfers to Cal
49ers re-sign quarterback Josh Johnson
Michael Sam ready to get back to football
Read More

Raiders

Allen: Raiders determined to get 'back to the glory days'
Analysis: Raiders draft class has real potential
Browns extend cornerback Haden for $68 million
Scott Bair's Raiders chat transcript (5.13.14)
Read More

Warriors

Roster, location main reasons Kerr took Warriors' job
Kerr faces tough task with Warriors
Warriors land the great unknown in Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr chooses Warriors over Knicks
Read More

NCAA

Ogwumike sisters affected by Nigerian kidnappings
Report: Pac-12 may move title game to Levi's Stadium
Gaels load stable for next season
Sheriff: Jameis Winston swiped crab legs
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Rewind: Blanco runs, Giants kick it old school to beat Braves
(6)
Andrew Baggarly

More Stories

Simmering Sandoval questionable to play vs. Marlins
(11)
Instant Replay: Giants run over Braves, 10-4
(14)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Pence on Sandoval: 'I'm proud of him'
Pence on Sandoval: 'I'm proud of him'
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Giants notes: Blanco finds himself, Posey's lesson, etc.
Giants lineup: Blanco in center, Colvin in left

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets
  • Insider Joe Stiglich

Latest News

Rewind: Promising homestand ends on a flat note
(2)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Rangers put lefties Perez, Harrison on DL
(1)
Instant Replay: Bullpen blows lead, A's win streak ends
(2)
See more >

A's VIDEO

Melvin: Not going to win too many games with two hits going into ninth
Melvin: Not going to win too many games with two hits going into ninth
See more >

A's TALK

A's putting Gentry to good use early in season
A's lineup: Cespedes dropped to fifth

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Kings edge Ducks to force Game 7
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Wilson, McLellan officially returning for Sharks
(8)
Stay or Go, Part 3: Sharks goalies
(11)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

YSTL: What changes are coming to Sharks core group of players?
YSTL: What changes are coming to Sharks core group of players?
See more >

Features

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (5.14.14)
Blackhawks advance to West Finals with OT win in Game 6

SHARKS INSIDER

  • 49ers Notes: Goodwin not worried about fumbles
  • Harbaugh sticking with Akers
  • Boone, 49ers have hands full with Wilfork
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Roster, location main reasons Kerr took Warriors' job
(18)
Monte Poole

More Stories

Kerr faces tough task with Warriors
(9)
Warriors land the great unknown in Steve Kerr
(47)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Kawakami: Kerr chose bright future of Warriors over instability of Knicks
Kawakami: Kerr chose bright future of Warriors over instability of Knicks
See more >

Features

Steve Kerr chooses Warriors over Knicks
Warriors make one final push for Kerr

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Transcript of Kings GM D'Alessandro 'Draft 3.0 Challenge'
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Hitch in Kings' construction plans for new downtown arena
(2)
Kings' 'new era' off to slow start
(9)
See more >

Watch

Malone: First season as Kings coach full of its 'ups and downs'
Malone: First season as Kings coach full of its 'ups and downs'
See more >

Features

Kings fall to Suns in season finale
Kings look to close season with win over Suns

Fantasy Hoops

  • Fantasy news, analysis, draft guide, cheatsheets, projections & more
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

49ers sign fifth-round pick Reaser
(9)
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

Brother of 49ers' Looney transfers to Cal
(11)
49ers re-sign quarterback Josh Johnson
(39)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

YSTL: Johnson on 49ers' WRs: 'Everybody in the room is a No. 1'
YSTL: Johnson on 49ers' WRs: 'Everybody in the room is a No. 1'
See more >

DRAFT CENTRAL

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers sign fifth-round pick Reaser
  • Brother of 49ers' Looney transfers to Cal
  • 49ers re-sign quarterback Josh Johnson
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Allen: Raiders determined to get 'back to the glory days'
(3)
Scott Bair

More Stories

Analysis: Raiders draft class has real potential
(9)
Browns extend cornerback Haden for $68 million
(8)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: How many of Raiders picks can contribute right away?
YSTL: How many of Raiders picks can contribute right away?
See more >

DRAFT CENTRAL

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • 49ers' Culliver arrested in San Jose
  • Kaepernick doesn't need headphones to tune out distraction
  • 49ers injury report: Rogers questionable, but insists he'll play
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Wondolowski, Goodson called to USMNT World Cup camp
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Shorthanded Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1
(3)
Quakes look for second win on young season
(3)
See more >

Watch

Homegrown Tommy Thompson ready for 'next level' with Quakes
Homegrown Tommy Thompson ready for 'next level' with Quakes
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Rewind: Blanco runs, Giants kick it old school to beat Braves
(6)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Roster, location main reasons Kerr took Warriors' job
(18)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers sign fifth-round pick Reaser
(9)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Allen: Raiders determined to get 'back to the glory days'
(3)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Wilson, McLellan officially returning for Sharks
(8)
See more >

JOE STIGLICH

Rewind: Promising homestand ends on a flat note
(2)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Josh Reddick's taste in music is a first-pitch popup

TOP STORIES

  • 49ers sign fifth-round pick Reaser
  • Brother of 49ers' Looney transfers to Cal
  • 49ers re-sign quarterback Josh Johnson

Say Hey Tuesdays

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

ALL-STAR TEACHER

Vote for your favorite All-Star Teacher here!

The winner gets $20k for his/her school!

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

NCAA

Sheriff: Jameis Winston swiped crab legs
Change of plans for former Cal QB Zach Kline

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Kawakami: Kerr chose bright future of Warriors over instability of Knicks
Kawakami: Kerr chose bright future of Warriors over instability of Knicks
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California