Jackson Free Press

Unless you live under a rock or in a cave, you have heard by now about Missouri Tigers defensive star Michael Sam. Last Sunday, Sam told the world he is gay.

All eyes will be on Sam at the NFL Combine (Feb. 22-25) in Indianapolis, Ind., and folks will be asking Sam every question you could imagine. But only one question really matters.

Can he play?

When scouts watch tape, does Sam jump out of the screen at you? Does he look like a dynamic player who can make plays on his own, or does he need to be surrounded with help?

Can Sam fit the defensive scheme of the teams looking to recruit him? It would be a disservice to Sam and his NFL dreams if a team just drafted him to prove they would draft a gay player. If Sam doesn't fit in a certain defensive scheme, he won't last past training camp.

Can Sam play with his hand in the dirt, or does he have to become a stand-up linebacker? Is Sam strong enough to take on elite offensive tackles with his hand on the ground, or does he need to move positions?

Does Sam have the ability to shed blockers to make tackles in the running game, and does he have the hip rotation to explode out of a stance? If he has to play linebacker, does Sam have loose enough hips to turn and run in pass coverage?

I want to know if Sam can play at the next level. Being Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC doesn't necessarily mean NFL success.

I'm not trying to downplay the impact of Sam coming out will have on sports. He could be the first openly gay player in America's biggest sport, and that's significant (and kudos to the Missouri football coaches, players and administration—Sam told his teammates he was gay and it was a non-story as Missouri played in the SEC Championship Game).

But his sexuality shouldn't be the only story. Every team wants to be where the Seattle Seahawks are right now, Super Bowl champs. If Sam can help you get to that spot, the rest doesn't matter. Winning championships matter.