Openly gay NFL pioneer: ‘I just wish you’d see me as Michael Sam the football player’

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Missouri defensive end Michael Sam speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. Sam came out to the entire country Feb. 9, and could become the first openly gay player in the NFL. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

INDIANAPOLIS – Michael Sam says he wants to be known as just a football player, hopeful his sexuality soon won’t be a story.

The defensive end from Missouri made his first public appearance Saturday since announcing he’s gay. He said at the NFL scouting combine he’s not worried about the way he’ll be treated once he enters the league.

Sam smiled and laughed often during a 12 1/2-minute news conference at Lucas Oil Stadium, looking relaxed, jovial and confident. He even introduced himself before taking questions from the hundreds of reporters surrounding the podium, as if anyone needed a reminder of who he was.

Sam is projected as a mid-round pick in the draft in May. He says he doesn’t care what position he plays, as long as he can rush the passer.

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