NFL prospect Michael Sam and former Missouri Tigers defensive end comes out to the New York Times and ESPN in a move that he hopes to make him the first openly gay player.
“I am an openly, proud gay man,” The 24-year-old All-American graduate said. “It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL.”
The NFL responded with a statement of support and expressing they’re hopeful he will join the league in 2014.
“We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.”
Sam is projected to be selected in the early rounds of the upcoming NFL draft in May. He decided to come out now because he sensed the rumor mills were fully abuzz. He came out to his Missouri teammates during a team-building exercise and they showed their support for his decision.
“We’re really happy for Michael that he’s made the decision to announce this, and we’re proud of him and how he represents Mizzou,” Pinkel said. “Michael is a great example of just how important it is to be respectful of others, he’s taught a lot of people here first-hand that it doesn’t matter what your background is, or your personal orientation, we’re all on the same team and we all support each other,” Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel said in a statement.
Sam is receiving love and support from established football players and professional athletes through social media. Former Missouri Tigers football player and Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Chase Daniel showed his support:
Had multiple convos with @MikeSamFootball this year, amazed at his honesty & courage! Once a tiger, ALWAYS a Tiger!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) February 10, 2014
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tightend Tom Crabtree tweeted:
Good for Michael Sam. Takes courage for where he is in his career and where we are as a league. I applaud him. — Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) February 10, 2014
Jason Collins, the reserve basketball player who came out last year posted,
For the past 2 days I have met with @MikeSamFootball here in LA. He is a great young man who has shown tremendous courage and leadership — Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) February 10, 2014
John Amaechi, who announced he was gay after retiring from the NBA tweeted today:
Congratulations to Michael Sam. Best of luck… and thanks.
— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) February 10, 2014
Yesterday, Deion Sanders weighed in, gently reminding people exactly where Sam stands as far as ‘firsts’ go:
Michael Sam isn’t the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let’s show him love like a family member. Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014