Michael Sam May Become the First Openly Gay Player in the NFL

Credit: AP

Defensive end and NFL prospect Michael Sam could very well make history as the first openly gay player in the National Football League.

"I am an openly proud gay man," 24-year-old Sam, who was voted the Associated Press' SEC Defensive Player of the Year told ESPN in an interview yesterday (Feb. 9).

If drafted in May, Sam would become the first openly gay player in the NFL.

"I understand how big this is. 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 explained to the sports station.

He also took to his Twitter account to thank everyone for allowing to share his truth (including his teammates who kept the secret for over a year), writing:

https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball/status/432680996203270144

https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball/status/432685679479230464

https://twitter.com/MikeSamFootball/status/432696902417522688

Added his former coach Gary Pinkel in a statement made by Sam's alma mater the University of Missouri, "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."

"We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage," added the NFL itself. "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 concluded, "I'm not afraid to tell the world who I am. I'm Michael Sam: I'm a college graduate. I'm African American, and I'm gay. I'm comfortable in my skin."

You crush that football draft Michael Sam!