NIT – A college player with high NFL draft prospects announced this weekend that he is gay.
Missouri defensive end Michael Sam told The New York Times and ESPN he is gay, and the 2014 NFL Draft prospect plans to become the first openly gay player in the NFL, the NFL reported.
The NFL seemed to welcome the announcement, saying in a statement “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.”
However, questions lingered Monday after one former NFL coach and player – Herm Edwards – said that Sam could divide a locker room. Edwards compared a gay player to “a player that has some issues, off the field issues” who’s “bringing baggage into your locker room.”
“I am an openly, proud gay man,” Sam told ESPN.
“I understand how big this is,” he 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.”
Sam, age 24, is a senior at Missouri of the SEC Conference. He is listed as one of the top pass rushers entering the draft, and could be coveted by many teams.
According to a report, Michael Sam’s father had no idea his son was gay until he got a text from him last week.
On Twitter Monday, Sam thanks friends and family for their support, even First Lady Michele Obama.
“I want to thank everybody for their support and encouragement,especially @espn, @nytimes and @nfl. I am proud to tell my story to the world!”
Do you think an openly gay player will be a problem for an NFL team? A locker room distraction, or no big deal?
We support Tigers of all stripes at Mizzou. Proud of you @MikeSamFootball! #OneMizzou http://t.co/ueLCOJ4RFF pic.twitter.com/DvJ2vTIbgU
— Mizzou (@Mizzou) February 10, 2014
I want to thank everybody for their support and encouragement,especially @espn, @nytimes and @nfl. I am proud to tell my story to the world!
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) February 10, 2014