Michael Sam: Optimism And Talent Will Go A Long Way
By Derek Franks
The story of the year when we think “former Missouri Tigers” is far and away Michael Sam.
We needn’t say why any more.
The better story line is that it’s exciting to watch the potential Sam has to get to play in the NFL. Tiger fans everywhere have a very watchful eye on him, simply because they want to see their former MVP succeed.
If Sam were to read this, I’m sure he would find comfort in knowing that.
Sam is confident that he learned a lot from his experience with the St. Louis Rams. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday, Sam passed a physical and signed with the Dallas Cowboys, where he joined their 10-player practice squad.
This capped a topsy-turvey roller coaster seven days for Sam, which began with being in the spotlight for sacking the irritating Johnny Manziel and doing the “money” celebration, then turned sour with his release from the St. Louis Rams, but then became sweet, as he found a new home in Dallas.
Now, as we approach the beginning of the NFL season, there is optimism floating in the air.
For Dallas, who’s in desperate need of pass rushing help, they have someone in their back pocket at the ready should they want to call his name to the active roster. Cowboy fans have welcomed Sam with open arms. They see what most everyone sees in him: devotion, toughness, and talent. Dallas’ defense is parched of all three components.
For Michael Sam, it’s an opportunity. It’s a fresh start. It’s a “dream come true.” He knows he’s in a place that needs him if he can prove that he’s able. He knows he learned a lot at his previous NFL team. And he knows the he’s blessed to be where he is.
This kind of “humble yet hungry” attitude is exactly what Dallas needs. And it’s exactly what made Missouri fans love him.
If there’s anything Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett does well, it’s recognizing talent and having faith in his players. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Obviously, the question now is, can he do it? Can he make it on to an NFL team’s roster and play for them?
Sam certainly seems to think so.
He told the Dallas Morning News that he has many good reasons to be positive: “I’m excited to be to be joining Dallas, I just want to play football, it’s great to be heading back to my home state.”
“It’s been a roller coaster this past week but I’m happy where I’m at now. I’m just looking forward to being a Cowboy, my focus is on making the team.”
Everyone is on edge, anxiously hoping that he gets that chance.
After being cut by the Rams, Sam made a rational choice on deciding where to go next. A Texas native, Sam didn’t grow up watching the Cowboys, but he says he feels at home with his new team, telling reporters that he’s a fan of good defenses and that he’s aware of Dallas’s need for help.
An optimistic outlook here can do wonders in this situation. Sam should, and will, be fueled by that positivity.
But he also recognizes an opportunity when he sees one. Perhaps no team needs a defensive lineman more than Dallas. This is not to say the Cowboys don’t have four or five players that will be on the roster before Sam even gets a shot outside the practice squad. Because they do. But Dallas doesn’t have high expectations from any of these players. Sam knew that if there was any place that would call his name first, it would be Dallas.
The fit, for now, appears to be good. Both parties need each other– at least at the moment. It remains to be seen if Sam can impress enough to convince the folks at Jerry World to give him a chance.
Still, he’s taking the right steps and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, he’s remaining positive, which is perhaps the key element in all of this. As the scenario plays itself out, the pivotal thing is that Sam continues to keep that attitude amped up with positive energy. Coaches will eat that stuff up. And it will feed into their decision when the time comes.
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Let us not forget that Sam is talented. He’s got the skills and the brains to make it in this league. He is not the fastest player, and it can be difficult to determine what position he should play with some defenses.
But he is a menace at the line; he gets after quarterbacks; he’s strong; and he can read offenses. These attributes, along with the added determination and drive, more than make up for what he lacks.
So for Dallas, they must also look at this as an opportunity. They have a chance to groom a solid defensive player here. And hopefully it works out for both player and team in the long run. An optimistic outlook here can do wonders in this situation. Sam should, and will, be fueled by that positivity.
Should Sam not make it here, he will somewhere. It’s just going to take patience and persistence as he learns along the way. But the dream is still there for the taking.