How brave! The former Missouri defensive lineman and likely 2014 NFL draftee came out in an interview with ESPN on Feb. 9. If he’s drafted, he’ll become the first out player in NFL history.
Michael Sam took an enormous step for professional sports on Feb. 9, coming out as gayin an interview with ESPN‘s “Outside the Lines.” The former Missouri football player will likely be drafted in the 2014 NFL draft in May, which will make him the league’s first ever openly gay player.
Michael Sam: NFL Prospect Says ‘I Am Openly Gay’
“I am an openly, proud gay man,” Michael bravely declared. He revealed that his Missouri teammates and coaches have known since August.
Michael, who plays defensive lineman, is entering the 2014 NFL draft, and it is likely that he will be drafted. “I understand how big this is,” he maturely 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.”
Michael Sam: I Want To Tell My Story
Michael decided to speak out now after attending the Senior Bowl two weeks ago and realizing that many of the players seemed to know about his sexual orientation. “I didn’t realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me,” he said. “I want to own my truth. … No one else should tell my story but me.”
The bravery of this former Missouri Tiger can’t be overstated. Football has always been a sport that seemingly stigmatized homosexuality, but Michael strongly coming out and showing his true self without any fear will help to remedy that issue. He’s already a trailblazer.
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