COLUMBIA, Miss., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Last year’s Southeast Conference defensive player of the year, University of Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam, has announced that he is gay, and is hoping to become the first openly gay professional football player.
Last season, Sam led the SEC with 10.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss.
“I am an openly, proud gay man,” Sam, 24, told the New York Times.
“I understand how big this is,” Sam 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.”
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The NFL issued a statement Sunday night in support of Sam.
“We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage,” the statement said. “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.”
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 (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014Sam told his coaches and teammates about his sexual orientation back in August.
“Coaches just wanted to know a little about ourselves, our majors, where we’re from, and something that no one knows about you,” Sam said. “And I used that opportunity just to tell them that I was gay. And their reaction was like, ‘Michael Sam finally told us.’”
Wouldn't be anywhere without the support of my teammates and #mizzounation @Fe_Verdadera2 @CantStop_94
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014“Just to see their reaction was awesome. They supported me from day one,” Sam said. “I couldn’t have better teammates... I’m telling you what: I wouldn’t have the strength to do this today if I didn’t know how much support they’d given me this past semester.”
Want to give an additional thanks to my supportive family and team @HowardBragman @EmpireAthletes @camRONweiss @JoeBarkett
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014Though some speculate how the revelation will affect his future in the NFL, many in or close to the league tweeted their support, including Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks.
There is no room for bigotry in American sports. It takes courage to change the culture.
— Malcolm Smith (@MalcSmitty) February 10, 2014Michael 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, 2014Good 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, 2014Glad Michael Sam came out. Tired of hypotheticals regarding how team/fans would react. Let's find out.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) February 10, 2014[New York Times] [NFL]
