Watch: Michael Sam makes debut in NFL preseason match

NFL player Michael Sam has made his debut in a match for the St Louis Rams.

Sam made history when he was drafted by the St Louis Rams in May, a few months after publicly coming out.

He made his debut for the team in Friday’s pre-season match against the New Orleans Saints.

The crowds cheered the defensive player as he appeared on the field.

According to the Bleacher Report, during the first half, he managed one solo tackle, one quarterback hit and one QB hurry.

Though Sam’s performance was not stand-out during the game, Hall of Famer Michael Irvin said: “He showed that he can play in this league.”

Sam said: “The hardest critic is going to be myself. I could have done a little bit better.

“I got some nerves out today, it was a very good learning experience, you know I can play in this league.”

Last month, former Colts coach Tony Dungy said he wouldn’t have signed Sam, because he “wouldn’t want to deal with all of it”.

AFA president Tim Wildmon later leapt to Dungy’s defence, claiming he is worried Sam will be able to see “all that beefcake” in the shower.

Watch Sam’s first tackle below:

• Dec 01 2023

16 TV stars you grew up watching who later came out as LGBTQ+