Before coming to the CFL Michael Sam had a tough decision to make. He was adamant about playing in the NFL, but no NFL teams were calling. Offers for things like Dancing With the Stars, however, steadily continued to trickle in because for better or worse as soon as he embraced his same-sex partner on the last day of the 2014 NFL draft he became polarizing and by default a celebrity.
Eventually for Sam, in his athletic prime, he decided it was best to get back to honing his craft— getting after the quarterback. He also decided playing in the NFL became more likely by proving his worth in actual games in Canada rather than holding out for another practice-roster spot.
The Alouettes had a decision, too. To make this all happen they had to be willing to bring in the added attention that comes with Sam, a player who suits up at a position that isn’t a major need for them. (Thanks largely to John Bowman, the team’s franchise leader in sacks, the Als finished third in QB sacks last year.)
Although the reward could potentially be great because of Sam’s talent level and smaller salary scale, it stands to reason some CFL front offices would balk in the way many NFL ones have. But the Montreal brain trust—including GM Jim Popp and head coach Tom Higgins—simply saw an opportunity, not an operational headache.
When asked about the poor performances Sam has had at the NFL combine and more recently at the NFL veterans combine, Popp isn’t in the least bit concerned.
“One of the things I hate is when people get caught up in measurables,” he says. “To me they are secondary. What’s important is when they have a uniform on. Some of the best players don’t run or jump—they make plays because they play fast. With film study they process information that allows them to see things and react and make plays on the field… I don’t know how much Michael practised running a 40 for the veteran combine but I know he ran fast on tape.”
Higgins saw the same thing.
“What [Sam] did in college was enough for me,” he says. “He shared Defensive Player of the Year honours… in a very tough defensive conference. He’s the kind of football player you’re looking for so expectations are high that he might be able to help us.”
It was while on the road pounding the pavement as a scout that Popp became convinced Sam was worth pursuing.
“Through my research, in discussing things, I learned a lot,” he says. “When deciding on bringing in a player like Michael Sam, I try and get to know the type of person they are. What I knew about him and continued to learn when I was doing my due diligence is I learned he is very passionate and a true leader. Those were the two constants that I kept on hearing.”
Sounds like an evaluation Popp would have made on thousands of prospects before Sam. In the locker room, however, Sam will be viewed differently—if not for his sexuality then certainly for his notoriety. (Not many rookie free agents get their own press conferences or have their jerseys made up before they play a down on the field.) But Popp claims that notoriety doesn’t come with a guarantee of playing time or a roster spot.
“This is competition. He wants a chance to compete,” Popp says. “We never made any promises to any player. That’s not my style. I’ve never done it, I never will do it. Even to Anthony Calvillo, it was on the player. He’s got to make the team in training camp every season. AC did and that’s why he’s a Hall of Famer. When you look at Michael, he’s got all the tools to make the team.”
Should he do so, it will certainly be a historic moment for gay athletes. It will also be a first for a pro football coach. There is no manual or guide book on how to address your team about integrating an openly gay player. To that end, though, Higgins isn’t concerned.
“It need not be addressed as a full team,” he says. “We have a leadership group and if anything goes south, I’ll hear about it. A couple athletes knew it was in the works. It was not a surprise to our leaders. They were made aware early so if there were going to be any issues or fires they would be sorted out early. If there are any issues it will be very clear and people won’t be here. It’s as simple as that.”
Religious and in his 60s, Higgins says he attended an “affirmed church” in Calgary, referring to congregations that work to promote the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the church and in society.
“I’m a man of faith and it’s a non-issue with me,” he says. “My job is to make it so it’s a non-issue for the player so he can go out and just play football.”
Of course, Sam will never be just another defensive end—he’ll never just be able to just play football. But thanks to the steps he’s taken, and to the support of Popp and Higgins, maybe the next openly gay football player will.