University of Missouri's Michael Sam, a football defensive end, today told ESPN that he is gay, becoming one of the nation's first openly LGBT NFL prospects.This is good news for Mizzou fans like me and fans of seeing more LGBTQ athletes into the NFL and other sports leagues. Of course, there will be homophobic bigots who will be mad over this, but they need to get over it!"By rewriting the script for countless young athletes, Michael has demonstrated the leadership that, along with his impressive skills on the field, makes him a natural fit for the NFL," said GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis. "With acceptance of LGBT people rising across our coasts -- in our schools, churches, and workplaces -- it's clear that America is ready for an openly gay football star."
Sam was a defensive end for Mizzou Tigers of the University of Missouri. He graduated in December and is currently a highly-touted prospect in the National Football League (NFL) draft. He becomes the first publicly gay athlete in any of the Big 4 sports drafts.
In interviews with The New York Times and ESPN tonight, the football player stated: "I am an openly, proud gay man."
In December 2013, The Associated Press named him the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year. He was also selected as one of ten unanimous first-team all-Americans. He led the SEC in both sacks and tackles-for-loss and resides in the top 10 nationally in Division I in those categories. He is originally from Hitchcock, Texas. Sports journalist Cyd Zeigler stated to GLAAD: "Every NFL draft expert has Sam being selected in the first to fifth round of this year's NFL draft."
NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL)'s twitter account:
BREAKING: Michael Sam, SEC co-Defensive Player of the Year from Missouri says he is gay; could become first openly gay NFL player.
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 10, 2014