Rookie Michael Sam became the first ever openly gay player to play in the NFL when he made his NFL preseason debut on Friday against the New Orleans Saints.
Afterward, Sam told the members of the media as quoted by USA Today: "I can play in this league. That's the most important. I was kind of nervous. I got some nerves out today. It was a very good learning experience, and I can play in this league."
Sam was credited with a quarterback hit and one tackle. Saint Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher acknowledged there' s a good chance that Sam will make the team. ''Michael is a defensive end, OK? He plays defensive end with his hand down,'' he said after the 26-24 loss to the Saints.
But as USA Today reports, there are also many scouts who raised questions about Sam's potential to make the Rams' squad. One NFL scout was quoted as saying: "I think he's going to struggle against the run. But he does have a little juice off the edge." The said scout said Sam is too stiff to play inside, and his limitations in speed and strength could prevent him from making the team.
Listed at 261 pounds and 6-foot-2, Sam's main strength is his willingness to hustle, according to the scout. The same USA Today source added: "He's a good hustle player. I just wonder if that's enough. He's a stiff dude. But if you can run and hustle, you give yourself a chance."
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