It seems like yesterday when the NFL was mainly for heterosexual players. There was no one openly facing homophobia, nor anyone advocating for LGBT rights. But then, a brave football player did the unthinkable. He was the first openly gay player in the NFL: Michael Sam.
I admit, when I heard the news I couldn’t believe it. It was like a fantasy becoming true. Michael Sam, a man who stands proud of his identity and was determined to be a great player, came to the League and showed everyone what he was made of.
Most of us would have expected that his unveiling would’ve resulted in a firestorm. But it was the exact opposite. People saw him for who he was, instead of what he represented. They applauded him for his bravery and courage, and it was one of the most uplifting moments in NFL history.
His journey wasn’t without it’s moments, though. At first, the NFL did everything it could to shut him up. They threatened him with all kinds of sanctions. They put obstacles in his way like coaches not wanting to draft him and owners releasing their doubts about signing him. But Michael Sam stood tall and persisted.
It was discouraging at times. Yet I was pleasantly surprised when his announcement of being gay was welcomed by NFL teams and even praised by fans. It was the first time in history the league was progressive, and it was a great sign that things were advancing.
The discrimination he experienced before joining the league didn’t go away, however. During his first year as a professional athlete, he was still facing terrible comments and criticism. But that didn’t stop him. He kept playing and eventually managed to start his own career.
But even what could have been seen as a terrible setback, was eventually accepted and embraced. A few weeks after Michael Sam debuted in the NFL, he was the feature of the cover of ESPN magazine. This was the first time an openly gay athlete had been in the spotlight across the sports world.
Michael Sam paved the way for future LGBT athletes to feel comfortable in a world that is often hostile to them. He dethroned the false idea that being gay can’t and shouldn’t exist in the NFL, and changed history. Thanks to him, each of us is one step closer to our dreams.
With the gradual acceptance of gay athletes and with the voice of other seeking to represent the LGBT community, footballs fans are expressing their full support through pride flags, rainbow jerseys, and other symbols of acceptance. It’s actually quite beautiful seeing the game of football merge with the movement of equality.
Also, the LGBTQ+ alliance in the NFL was the first of its kind in sports, and its members speak about its importance to create a society with mutual understanding. This platform fosters discussions, provides support for players, tubes and league staff, and also works to remove the stigma around homosexuality in the sport and to promote equality, mainly through social media campaigns.
All of this is a testament to Sam’s big heart and unwavering courage. To come out as gay, especially in a field as fiercely masculine as professional football, requires an iron will and determination.
It’s uncertain if Sam will step foot on an NFL field again, but one thing is certain- he left a lasting impact. Sure, there is still a lot of work to be done, but in Michael Sam’s time in the spotlight more LGBT athletes have become comfortable and proud to represent the community.
The story of Michael Sam will forever be an inspiration. His resilience and courage help him break all of the walls that stood in the way of equality. Thanks to his bravery we are feeling a shift in how professional athletes of the LGBT community are seen and treated. We can only hope that his story will continue to motivate future athletes to reach the highest heights.