Michael Sam Jr. was born in 1990 in Texas and raised in Hitchcock, Texas. He attended the University of Missouri on a full athletic scholarship, becoming the first publicly gay man to play in the NFL. Sam came out publicly in 2014 after his last season at the University of Missouri. As a player, Sam worked hard and was a leader both on and off the field, inspiring others in the LGBT community through his courage and success in professional football.

1. MICHAEL SAM JR.
- Quez Pride

2. INTRO.
 Born on January 7, 1990 in Galveston,
Texas.
 7th out of 8 siblings; one of the few that
still free and alive.
 Raised in Hitchcock, Texas, 40 miles
from Houston, Texas, and attended
Hitchcock High School.
 Started playing football after being the
water boy for the varsity football team.

3. INTRO. (CONT’D)
Attended The University of Missouri
on a full-ride athletic football
scholarship.
First person in his entire family to
attend college and receive a
degree.
 Sam is the first publicly open gay
male to play in the NFL.
Came out publicly February 2014
after his last season playing at The
University of Missouri.

4. LEADER-MEMBER
EXCHANGE THEORY.
Michael Sam has been apart of two
teams in which he has played his part to
be best of his ability, allowing the whole
team to depend on him to show up and
show out every game. Coaches and
players have vouched that Sam has
been nothing but a great player and
person to his teammates and coaches.
Along with playing his role on the
football field, he’s became a leader in
the gay community. Showering hope of
opportunity over every homosexual
athlete playing a sport because of his
courageous way of dealing with his
family, friends, teammates, coaches and
fans when it comes to his sexuality.
People respects him for his boldness of
publicly opening up about his sexuality.

5. Model the Way.
Sam holds his teams
on his back and get
his job done. He
remains humble
about it and enjoys
what he does. Most
notices it because
he wears it.

6. Inspire a Shared Vision. Sam shares
his success with coming out about
his sexuality to give others hope
and reassurance that they can be
comfortable with themselves.

7. Challenge the Process. Sam challenges
himself everyday to live and enjoy a
happy life. One of his hobbies are,
“pursuits that help me enjoy my life.”

8. Encourage the heart.
Before the NFL draft,
Sam would always
speak on how he is
going to take care of
his family if he gets
drafted. His kind hearts
pours open to the ones
that have been there
with him every step of
the way. Sam is nice to
everyone and greets
everyone with a smile.

9. Enable Others to Act. Sam has built trust with
teachers, classmates, teammates, coaches
and fans because of his hard work and
dedication and he also encourages others to
do the same.