NFL Draft, Michael Sam and Obama

I will admit that I pay very little attention to football.  I nod on occasion when Eric talks to me about football, it makes absolutely NO sense to me! But he loves it and so I pretend to understand what he is talking about.  

I know the draft happens once a year, I know it's a big deal for many talented individuals. I know that to get to the draft, you have worked very hard and I also know that everyone wants to get drafted in the early stages.  Every single guy there deserves to be praised for being drafted.

But only one guy has stood out.  One out of 223 (I did have to ask Eric those numbers because I didn't have a clue!). Michael Sam. The first openly gay to be drafted in the NFL.  In the seventh round.  Those that went in the first, second, third, fourth, etc.... they all deserved to be congratulated by the President.  The fact that Obama congratulated Sam because he is gay and did not recognize any other person drafted makes me a bit sad.  No "Congratulations to each individual who was drafted, congratulations on your hard work to reach this point and congratulations to Michael Sam and the NFL for drafting the first openly gay player, etc."

Had I been any of the other guys I probably would've been, "Cool, I didn't get a shout out from the President because I'm not gay..." 

I went to lunch with a friend today and there were tv's and I am not exaggerating when I say that I saw the clip of Michael and his boyfriend no less than 10 times.  No joking.... seriously media? I am saying this here and now, that I guarantee you that Michael will be in an interview of sorts soon and he will most likely say, "I just want to be looked at for my ability to play.  I wish people would quit focussing on me being gay." I hope, for his sake, because from what I understand, he is a very talented individual and that people will focus on that.  But while it was a brave thing he did, and something that was very personal to him, being a good football player will most likely be in the shadows and that is sad.  

But again, when the President of the United States singles you out.... 

While I don't know much about football, I do now know of Michael Sam.  Not because of his playing ability, but because of his sexuality.  

Does this mean we get to go back to students being recognized for their academic abilities and we won't worry about hurting the feeling of those that don't do as well?

Does this mean that we aren't going to worry about making sure that everyone on the little league team gets a trophy? 

Because I tell you, everyone that made the NFL Draft did deserve recognition and didn't get it.....