Michael Sam has played his first NFL game.
According to ESPN.com, the league's first openly gay player got an extended look at defensive end in the St. Louis Rams' preseason openera 26-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Sam entered the game with five minutes, 13 seconds to go in the first quarter. He then played the rest of the first half, and about halfway through the third quarter.
Sam said his introduction to the NFL was "awesome," recalling thinking during the national anthem, "Wow, this is the big stage." He registered one tackle and one quarterback hit, later saying with some confidence, "You know, I can play in this league."