Witten: “Unrealistic” to Think Sam Won't Face Challenges

Mizzou defensive end Michael Sam is set to become the first active openly gay NFL player in 2014

Since Missouri defensive end and 2014 draft prospect Michael Sam came out as gay a couple weeks ago, scores of NFL players (both past and present) have come forward to offer their insight into how Sam might be accepted in the locker room. Cowboys’ veteran tight end Jason Witten, like the vast majority of current players who have spoken on the subject, says he doesn’t foresee Sam having any major issue.

That said, Witten believes it’d be shortsighted not to think Sam will face some challenges that others don’t.

I don’t know the individual,” Witten said, per the Dallas Morning News. “Obviously there’s going to be a buzz that that creates. Just like other situations that you see with those individuals. I don’t think that that would be an issue. I think obviously there’s going to be challenges, just like any time when you’re in that situation because you’re the first. You just have to respect that process. I do think that if he’s a good player, which he really seemed like in college, it’s so competitive that whatever it takes from that standpoint that gives you a chance to win.

“But there are going to be challenges, and I think it would be unrealistic if we didn’t think that.”

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