equal rites

Watch Michael Sam’s Emotional Reaction to Being Drafted by the Rams

On Saturday evening, Michael Sam, the University of Missouri football star who came out in February, became the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL. The defensive end was chosen by the St. Louis Rams in seventh round, making him the 249th pick overall. “Every team that passed me, I was thinking how I’m going to sack their quarterback,” he told reporters. “I am overwhelmed. I’m excited and I’m proud to be a Ram. I knew I was going to get picked somewhere.”

Rams coach Jeff Fisher was the person who called Sam to tell him the good news. ESPN and NFL cameras were there to capture the historic moment in San Diego, where the 24-year-old was watching the draft with his agent, family, and friends. After a tearful conversation with Fisher, Sam turned to hug and kiss his boyfriend, just as anyone else would do. 

Watch Michael Sam React to Being Drafted