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NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out as gay: “I am an openly, proud gay man”


This is exciting news and congratulations to this brave young man.

Michael Sam of the University of Missouri has come out in interviews with The New York Times and ESPN.

He stated: “I am an openly, proud gay man.”

Michael is a current NFL draft prospect and is likely to become the first out NFL player unless every team in the league decides to pass on an openly gay player.

His credentials are impressive: He was a defensive end for Mizzou Tigers of the University of Missouri and graduated in December.

In December 2013, the Associated Press named him the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year. He was also selected as one of ten unanimous first-team all-Americans. He led the SEC in both sacks and tackles-for-loss and resides in the top 10 nationally in Division I in those categories.

The NFL has released the following 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.”

GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis also had praise for the young athlete: “By rewriting the script for countless young athletes, Michael has demonstrated the leadership that, along with his impressive skills on the field, makes him a natural fit for the NFL. With acceptance of LGBT people rising across our coasts — in our schools, churches, and workplaces — it’s clear that America is ready for an openly gay football star.”

FILE UNDER: Sports

Comments

(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)

2 Remarks

  1. Michael-you are about to change history for the better. And I hope you know we all support you.

  2. Wow, what a great era we are at the start of!

    So many strong, confident-with-who-they-are, gay roll models to come out recently, surrounded by people who are happy for them.

    So great to see for all the young gay people who are maybe not feeling so great about who they are. Such positivity will help young people so much.

    It can only continue, and so great to see in my lifetime.

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