Missouri All-American Michael Sam has taken a huge step for equality by announcing he’s gay.
With the announcement, Sam could become the first openly homosexual player currently in the NFL.
The AP reports:
In interviews with ESPN, The New York Times and Outsports, Sam says he came out to his teammates and coaches at Missouri in August.
Sam says: “I am an openly, proud gay man.”
The 255-pound Sam participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., last month after leading the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (19), and he is projected to be a mid-round NFL draft pick.
He says: “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 league has also come forward to show their support. In a statement Sunday night, the league said:
“We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the N.F.L. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.”
Check out Michael’s interview with The New York Times below.
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