Michael Sam gave an emotional speech as he accepted Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2014 ESPY Awards.
Sam, who originally made headlines as NFL's first openly gay player, tried to hold back tears as he quoted Ashe.
"This year I had a lot of experience being part of something bigger than myself," Sam said. "At times, I've felt like I've been living in a massive storm, without knowing when the storm will end. But I'm here tonight to tell you that the lessons I learned about love, respect, being true to yourself will never leave me..."
"Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can," Sam continued. "Those were the words to live by, whether you're black or white, young or old, straight or gay. ... Football raised me, football taught me about hard work."
Sam explained he understands revealing his sexuality has turned into something much bigger than himself. He shared an experience with the crowd where he spoke to a friend's sister who was considering ending her life rather than accepting she was gay. Sam's words inspired her to be who she was and stop considering hurting herself.
"The way I see it, my responsibility at this moment in history is to stand up for everyone out there who wants nothing to be themselves openly," The St. Louis Rams defensive lineman told the crowd. "It's amazing to think that by doing what we can, we can all touch, change and even save lives."
Sam thanked his friends and family for supporting him during what he called a "storm" that would eventually pass. Sam also took a moment to thank boyfriend Vito Cammisano, who he claimed is his biggest inspiration.
"To anyone out there -- especially young people -- feeling like they don't fit in and will never be accepted, please know this: ...Great things can happen when you have the courage to be yourself," Sam said.
