Michael Sam: The Reality

Michael Sam’s move to come out as being gay just before the NFL Combine and NFL Draft was unprecedented on a number of levels. Everyone is familiar with Jason Collins coming out last year, but this is totally different and highly unprecedented.

Jason Collins’ career was essentially over. If he had come out before or during his time with the New Jersey Nets or even during his collegiate days then this move would have a more familiar setting. While they both deserve acknowledgement for their courage, it is time that we get real about the decision Michael Sam just made.

First off, the world is different. Whether we like to acknowledge it or not, the world has changed and its definitely for the better. People in the LGBT are now accepted, are now open, and will not be disrespected. I cannot speak on NFL locker rooms, simply because I’ve never been in one. I’m just going to assume that the culture is a tad different. However, he will be fine. We can all think about it like an extension of society. So many pieces from so many lifestyles and convergence will transpire.

Secondly, this is a win for the NFL and its fans. Whether you love or hate his position or his life choice, you have somebody to root for or against. The Super Bowl was full of so many people that either loved Peyton Manning and wanted him to win or people that loved to root against him and wanted him to lose. That’s just the nature of sports.

Does not mean I’m agreeing with somebody wanting to cheer against a man for his sexual orientation, but the reality is someone somewhere will dislike this guy and will hope he gets pancaked by every tackle, TE, or halfback that he goes up against.

Thirdly, this is something beyond a win for Michael Sam. Everyone is talking about how people will treat him, how the media will be a circus around him, but very few are talking about all of the benefits he has given himself by just simply being open. I think its clear that he hasn’t done much of being afraid of his sexual orientation but there is a difference of not being afraid of people knowing and letting everyone know. That weight, that I’m sure had to be at least a little compounding, is essentially gone. All Sam has to worry about is going out and working his hardest.

Also, who knows what type of endorsements are going to hop on the chance to snatch this guy and take their company into the next phase of marketing. This didn’t really have the chance of happening with Collins, seeing as though he hasn’t played since then. However, no sport is more profitable than the NFL. In the NFL, a team that has only won one playoff game in the last 17 years can still be regarded as “America’s Team” because the NFL is just that popular.

Lets be real about what can and will transpire. Sam will get drafted and will play in the NFL. An openly gay athlete will play a game in a time where every little detail about every game is seen, magnified, and seemingly discussed heavily. His first snap in the preseason will be all of that. His first game, heck, even his training camp. The NFL Draft will be watched more this year in the latter rounds just to see where this guy goes. Right now, his coming out will be a money machine for himself and for the NFL. Shall we look into the future?

Let us all hope that there comes a time where this doesn’t matter. Where we don’t have to spend all morning discussing a guy’s sexual orientation. Lets think positively and assume that one day in the near future none of this will matter and everyone will be truly equal. However, lets be real; its not in the near future. People are still afraid and people are still worried about their well being whether mentally or physically and people are still concerned about their earnings.

While its all possible, its all logical, its just not now. What is now is a courageous, educated, and young African American coming out with no fear. All he wants is to play football. I cannot speak for everyone, but I am rooting for the young man. I think he has done a great thing for the LGBT community and young athletes all over the country. More importantly, I think he’s done a great thing for himself.

University of Mississippi graduate in Broadcast Journalism. Huge lover of sports with a bigger love for people.