Michael Sam: I’m not trying to do anything historic, just play football

Out gay American Football player Michael Sam has said he is not trying to “do anything historic” by playing, but that he just wants to get on with it.

The former SEC Defensive Player of the Year made history when he came out as gay last year – and has since had brief spells with the St Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys.

However, Sam was cut from both teams – and has not been signed to an NFL team since, but last week signed a two-year deal with Canadian team the Montreal Alouettes.

“I’m not trying to really do anything historic here by being with Montreal, I’m just trying to help the team win some games so we can bring the Grey Cup back home,” he said on Tuesday at a news conference.

“There was a reason why I came out to my team, because I didn’t want to live a life behind the closet anymore,” he continued.

“Eventually it was going to come out anyway, so I have no regrets. I’m happy with myself. I’m living my life the way I want to live.”

He agreed with general manager Jim Popp, who said Sam would fit playing the position of pass rusher.

“My size fits as a pass rusher,” Sam said. “I led my team in preseason in sacks, and that was in the NFL, so I’m a pass rusher. Doesn’t matter where I’m at.”

Sam is engaged to his fiancé Vito Cammisano, after proposing at the Vatican earlier this year.

• Dec 01 2023

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