2014 ESPYS: Michael Sam Timeline
- <
- 2014 Recipient, Michael Sam
- Sam Tells The Team
- Surprising Season
- Postseason Success
- >
Surprising Season
If having a gay teammate was a distraction, it didn't show on the field, where Missouri started 5-0, equaling their 2012 win total. But a question remained: Could Mizzou surprise the SEC's traditional powers?
The answer came when the Tigers beat No. 7 Georgia and No. 22 Florida back-to-back, improving to 7-0. Sam recovered a fumble against the Bulldogs and collected three sacks against the Gators. He added five solo tackles in a double-overtime loss to No. 20 South Carolina.
Victories over No. 24 Ole Miss and No. 19 Texas A&M followed as Mizzou earned a trip to the SEC title game. And Sam was having the best season of his career.
Advertisement
ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.
