Michael Sam: I Want To Be Known As Football Player, Not ‘Gay Football Player’

Michael Sam put on an impressive show at the NFL Scouting Combine podium.

Sam answered any and all questions from the massive scrum of reporters and was much more interested to take football questions than the ones about dealing with an NFL locker room as an openly gay player. The Missouri defensive end said he wants to be known as a football player, not a “gay football player.”

Sam said he didn’t notice a difference in how his teammates at Missouri treated him after he came out to them in August. He also said he’s not afraid to enter an NFL locker room — even the Miami Dolphins’.

Sam was asked about football, as well. When asked about being a “tweener,” or a player who’s too small to play defensive end and too stiff to be a linebacker, Sam said he’s a pass rusher. When asked about his inconsistent play with the Tigers, he said, “Winning is hard buddy.”

Sam kept his answers short and succinct. It seems that if it’s up to him, he won’t allow the media to become a distraction wherever he is drafted.

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