Michael Sam may not be signed to the NFL yet, but there’s no arguing that he’s become the star football player of the year so far, thanks to his monumental coming out moment and his hope to become the NFL’s first openly gay player. On Thursday, Sam joined other NFL prospects in working out in front of NFL scouts during the University of Missouri’s Pro Day. But before his workout, he posted a heartfelt letter in the Missourian to his alma mater, thanking his community for their undying support on his journey to NFL glory.
“To my fellow University of Missouri students, athletes, faculty, alumni and supporters,”
From my first recruiting trip to the University of Missouri, I felt something extraordinary and special — something I didn’t feel anyplace else.
I didn’t have a name for it then; I do now. It’s called family.
And to me that family is defined by unconditional love.
Certainly you cheered my successes, but you also picked me up when I fell.
Maybe most importantly, you gave me a chance to live my truth without judgment, without hesitation and with great discretion and respect.
When I came out last month, I did it with the confidence that my Mizzou “family” would always be there for me.
To put it mildly, the love and acceptance I felt was amazing.
The day after the announcement, my name was spelled out in the stadium; fraternities hung #StandWithSam banners; then when I went to the basketball game to honor the football team’s Cotton Bowl victory, I worked hard not to cry because of the amazing reception.
I have a long journey ahead of me, a lot of hard work and many dreams I want to fulfill.
But I do it with the confidence that my Mizzou family will be there for me every step of the way.
I will continue to work my hardest; I will strive to make you all proud.
And I will be a Tiger forever.”
We hope that Sam’s NFL dreams, as well as his other dreams, all come true and that he can bring that triumph back home to his Mizzou family and the many other LGBT athletes who are looking to him for hope. – nicholas robinson
