LSU's Andre Sam is exactly the type of overcomer the Lions love

I've been saying it for years. The Detroit Lions are overcomers. What I mean when I say that is that they are a team that welcomes the adversity and then does what they have to do to overcome that. LSU safety Andre Sam has dealt with a lot of adversity in his life and he's worked to overcome it every time. 

Sam lost his father and grandfather at the age of six and developed a speech impediment that he still copes with today. His older brother Aaron, who also played safety in the college ranks at McNeese State, died on the first day of Andre's senior year of high school. He was able to overcome these things and also find himself a spot at McNeese despite having no offers from any other college. 

He worked his way up from being a walk on to a player with a scholarship and then transferred to Marshall. After a solid season there he was invited to transfer to LSU. It was in Baton Rouge where he had 56 tackles and three interceptions as a starter his senior year. That was enough to get him an invite the combine and that brings us to where we are now. 

Sam has talked with the Lions this week. While it was an informal meeting, that could lead to more as the week moves along. Sam will participate in testing on Friday and we'll get to see what he's capable of there in terms of athleticism. He's currently slated to be a late round pick or an undrafted free agent. The Lions should think about making a move here since they need some safety help after the release of Tracy Walker. 

Judging by the amount of safeties they've been meeting with this week, they should have some interest in filling the position. Even if they don't go for Sam, this feels like a story to keep an eye on to see what he can do in the future. 

Sam also has a message for those who also deal with speech impediments.

"The main thing is just keep being you. Don't take no for an answer and surround yourself with great people."