Obama on Michael Sam: An important step in our nation's journey

WASHINGTON, May 11 (UPI) -- President Obama is the latest to honor St. Louis Ram Michael Sam, who made history yesterday by being the first openly gay man drafted by an NFL team.

In a statement released earlier the White House said:

The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward in our Nation's journey. From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are.

You know what, who knows? Who knows? Only the people who sit in the war room know. They saw Michael Sam, day after day they scratched it off the board. That was their loss. But St. Louis kept me on that board. And you know what I feel like I'm a [Jadeveon] Clowney, a first draft pick. I'm proud of where I am now.

Thank you to the St. Louis Rams and the whole city of St. Louis. I'm using every once of this to achieve greatness!! pic.twitter.com/QESdOJVzsw

— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) May 10, 2014

Wow.What a day. On cloud 9. So proud and happy! #stl #rams #draft @MikeSamFootball pic.twitter.com/XXG1tngGhq

— Vito (@Vitcamm) May 11, 2014