San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke was happy after Michael Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams to become the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL.
But while he is happy for Sam, Baalke admitted that they were interested in acquiring Sam, but their plans were derailed by their NFC West rival.
"He's a good football player. You look at what he has done in his college football career, was he a fit for us? Yeah, we could use him," Baalke admitted via CSN Bay Area.
The 49ers had multiple chances of picking Sam during the draft, but interestingly, opted to pick other players.
Sam, who is aiming to become the first openly gay player to play in the NFL, was selected by the Rams in the seventh round with the 249th pick.
The 49ers could have selected Sam with their 243rd and 245th pick, but they opted to acquire Boston College defensive end Kaleb Ramsey and Oklahoma fullback Trey Millard, respectively.
Analysts are convinced that the 49ers' interest in Sam is legit, but they were actually hoping that the former Missouri standout will fall out of the draft, and acquire him via free agency.
Baalke also added that he is having regrets for not picking Sam, saying that he will not feel that way had other teams outside of their conference drafted the defensive end.
"He's a good football player that we wish had not gone to the Rams. Wish he would've went to another team so we don't have to play against him. He's certainly a guy who has 'make-it' traits and is going to get every opportunity to do that," Baalke said.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama became one of the big-name personalities who expressed happiness for Sam, sending out congratulatory remarks for the Rams and Sam.
"The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward today in our Nation's journey. From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are," the White House's statement reads.
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