DWTS Season 20 Rumor: NFL’s Michael Sam Signed To Do Dancing With The Stars?
What do you think about Michael Sam doing Dancing With The Stars? TMZ is reporting that he is signed. More below and at the link.
Michael Sam will be competing in March, but not on the football field, on the “Dancing with the Stars” hardwood … TMZ Sports has learned.
Michael — the first openly gay player drafted in the NFL — will be part of Season 20, which fires up next month.
I say YES! I so want a football player to do the show again!
Excellent signing. Can see him doing very well because he’s such a likeable guy.
Interesting! Works for me. Now, will he be dancing with a male or female pro?
Wow. This is kind od a big get, if true! A lot of controversy surrounding the poor man, but regardless he is still big in the football world, I believe!
Also, I can picture him with Kym!
Ok, this is probably not going to be a popular opinion, but I think this was a bit of a cop-out, casting-wise – why? Because Michael is not even currently signed to an NFL team, and has only played on the practice squad for the Rams & the Cowboys…and not even for a full season. Was he signed simply because he’s the first openly gay (sort of) pro football player? While it’s certainly something notable and brave, is it really worthy of labeling someone a “star”? I could understand if he was serving as an activist or something, trying to further the cause of gay athletes, but as far as I can tell, all he’s really done is say “I’m gay!”, play on some practice squads, get waived, and then fall off the radar for awhile. Chaz Bono was actively doing speaking engagements and was a prominent figure for the LGBT cause…Michael? I haven’t even heard his name since he got waived by the Cowboys in October. I’m sure he’s a lovely human being, but I’m having a hard time with whether he’s really a “star”.
If he’d made a team, I’d be cool with it. However, last I heard he was cut and hasn’t yet made an NFL team. So, he’d be a bit disappointing to me. I get why they’re doing it though. He definitely made headlines with what he did. However, if he’d actually made a team it would be really big news.
I would rather have Russell Wilson, but that is probably unlikely now (if this is true.)
I wonder if this means they couldn’t land any of the active NFL-ers they were rumored to be going after, and he was their fall-back option for someone with an NFL connection? It’ll be interesting to see how they label him — “NFL hopeful” (?) or will they try to get all grandiose and call him a “crusader for gay rights” or some such thing that he’s never claimed to be.
I just got off the phone with Hubby (he loves to watch when there is a football player) and he just pretty much said the same thing for what John and Court posted for how he feels on it.
I’m actually okay with Michael Sam doing the show. I will be surprised if he can bust a move.. I’m more worried that DWTS might have 14 year old in the cast this season. Now that’s ridiculous.
It doesn’t bother me that Michael Sam isn’t a bonafide NFL player, but if the show tries to pass him off as this season’s NFL “Star”, that could be a problem. I think that would tick off a lot of viewers who are also NFL fans (which I’m thinking is a boat load of people). If that’s the case, he’ll be headed for an early exit.
and another celeb who wasn’t rumored…I’m loving this lol DWTS has done a pretty good job at hiding this season…
I agree with you all Courtney and John, I feel like this was a cop out picking him. He never truly made it in the NFL…so I have trouble believing that he is a “star”.
Echo all the above comments about a cop out. To go from SuperBowl champions such as Gronk, Edelman, Butler being rumoured to Sam who doesn’t even have a team is a really poor show. Maybe DWTS were banking to much on Russell Wilson winning the Superbowl and fulfilling his promise of doing the show which of course didn’t happen. Sam just seems more of a Keyshawn than a Donald Driver for me.
Being from the Netherlands, we know about Michael Sam. But some other people who are supposed to be on the show, I have never heard of. So I understand your opinions on Michael Sam, but to me he is more a star, than some other people.
I LOVE this possibility. The guy was Defensive Player of the Year on a great college team and by all accounts had an amazing preseason but has yet to find a spot on a team – which is a darn shame. No it’s not as big a name as Russell Wilson, but I think this is a great way for him to bridge the gap between assumptions and perceptions of an audience that may not be thrilled at his lifestyle. DWTS almost always has a member of the LGBT community anyway, so here they get their football player, too.
Plus, I honestly think the importance of his coming out prior to the draft – and willingness to subject himself to such scrutiny – is extraordinarily brave in the world of American professional sports, and I hope that his time on the show encourages more athletes and kids to not be ashamed of who they are and greater acceptance of those who choose to live their lives openly.
@Fig. – Beautifully said… And I agree 100%.
I wholeheartedly agree, Fig.
So true, Fig! Love your post!!
I mean cmon – if the BEARS will send out their hobbled and horrible defense and won’t sign a guy with the physicality, speed, and work ethic of Michael Sam – you know there’s still a huge problem. I say that as a Bears fan that had to endure watching the worst defense in my lifetime while there’s an impact player just waiting to find a team to take a real chance.
Immensely well-known, captivating and timely story, and greatly talented? I can’t wait. I just hope that he uses this opportunity positively and not negatively to bemoan his circumstances, but really shine a light on the human side of discrimination and prejudice.
Oh well! Good post Fig! who will win? You have seen DWTS so I will say it- before it starts -Val.