It has been announced that the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will be airing a reality television show that will follow Michael Sam around as he attempts to make the St. Louis Rams this summer. Why?
- Advertisement -
Michael Sam was drafted 249th overall and in the 7th round of the 2014 National Football League Draft by the St. Louis Rams. There has not been a player drafted 249th overall before to garner such media attention.
Sam became one of the first openly-gay college athletes on February 9th of this year.After being drafted on May 10th, Sam became the first openly-gay NFL Draftee. He is not yet the first openly-gay NFL player.
- Advertisement -
Sam was noted as a consensus third to fourth round draft pick. Defensive linemen have had a track record in the past to being drafted late. In last year’s draft, of the 33 defensive linemen drafted, 23 were selected in the final four rounds.
After having a disappointing showing at the NFL combine, Sam’s draft stock fell. On draft day, his name continued to not be called. Lets address the gorilla in the room: I think there were many teams that passed on Sam due to the media circus that would follow.
- Advertisement -
On Wednesday it was announced that Sam had reached an agreement with OWN to film a reality show. It will follow him as he attempts to make the St. Louis Rams during training camp. I don’t think any football fan is thrilled with the news.
While OWN is not trying to acquire the viewership of NFL fans and I do not know many NFL fans that watch OWN, I think this show is a bad idea for Sam.
As a 7th round draft pick, Michael Sam should be focused on one thing: Making the St. Louis Rams’ roster.
Everyone knows that Sam will draw Tebow-like media attention during training camp. Every step, every play, and every little thing Sam does on and off the field will be covered by numerous media outlets. He will probably spend more time at press conferences than any of his teammates. Sam will be, undoubtedly, one of the most requested interviewees of training camp. So why is he throwing a reality TV show on top of his things-to-do list?
I am sure there will be financial gain, as I doubt he is doing this show for free.
Other than that, I fail to see any positive for Sam.
His roster spot is far from guaranteed. According to the Dallas News, out of the 666 players drafted in the 7th round since the year 2000, less than half were on their team’s roster in Week One.
The St. Louis Rams have a very good set of defensive linemen (the Rams were third last year in the NFL with 53 sacks), so it would be highly unlikely that Sam cracks the starting lineup. Undersized to be on the line, Sam lacks the foot-speed and athleticism needed to play outside linebacker.
Knowing these odds are stacked against him, one would think Sam should come want to come into camp distraction free.
He knows there are people rooting against him just because he is homosexual. He should also know that many people are rooting for him to become the first openly gay NFL player.
Sam should be coming into training camp mentally focused on proving doubters wrong and his supporters right. He needs to prove that his poor combine was not a sign of things to come. Sam needs to prove that he has been working hard and deserves a spot on the St. Louis Rams’ roster.
The last thing on his mind should be a reality TV show.
