Michael Sam had a little extra help on defense this weekend.
One week after Sam publicly came out as gay, the all-American defensive player from Missouri was honored during an NCAA college-basketball game Saturday between Missouri and Tennessee. But not everyone is a fan.
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The Westboro Baptist Church, a Kansas-based religious group known for picketing events, showed up outside the stadium to protest Sam. In response, hundreds of students from Mizzou gathered outside the stadium to support him.

Hundreds of students gather outside the stadium to support Michael Sam.
Image: L.G. Patterson/Associated Press

Some students wore "Stand With Sam" pins.
Thousands of Tigers lined up along Stadium Blvd. to #StandWithSam today: http://t.co/4a4OtsT73i #OneMizzou pic.twitter.com/eYu5Xl1tNk
— Mizzou (@Mizzou) February 15, 2014

There were far more students supporting Sam than protesters against him:
Passed Westboro Baptist Church at Mizzou today. These people deserve to burn in hell. pic.twitter.com/QmR3j5eWkb
— Abby Danielson (@abby_danielson) February 15, 2014
Westborough Baptist Church protesters rally in Columbia against football player Michael Sam.#krcg13 pic.twitter.com/eMZOjtnRjg
— Mark Slavit (@MarkSlavit) February 15, 2014
In a tweet, Sam expressed his appreciation for their support:
Thank you for all of my Mizzou family for your support. Divided we are weak, Together we are Strong. #OneMizzou pic.twitter.com/SMAPZHk2hX
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 16, 2014
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