Michael Sam: My teammates respect me, no problems with the Rams
Openly gay football player Michael Sam has said he is having no problems at all fitting in with the St Louis Rams.
Speaking to the press for the first time in weeks, Sam said he was ‘stepping his game up’ as a player.
The player, who came out in February this year while playing for the University of Missouri, caused controversy after the draft when he kissed his boyfriend Vito Cammisano live on ESPN.
He told reporters yesterday: “They respect me as a human being and as a football player… [it] feels like home.”
“I’ve got to step my game up to compete with this defensive line.
“It’s been a long time coming. It felt good to put my helmet on and get out there. Grind.
“This is a whole new level. I’ve got to up my game.”
Rams veteran Robert Quinn said: “He’s learning his role here, he’s going to fight for his position.
“He gives it 110% while he’s out here. He wants to learn his playbook, wants to help his team win.
“He’s a football player here. That’s all that really matters.”
A planned Oprah Winfrey documentary about Sam’s life was shelved to allow him to concentrate on his playing career, and he has had a reduced media presence in recent weeks.
Sales of his jersey were the second highest of all NFL rookie players.
