Michael Sam Of Mizzou Admits He’s Gay; Teammates Knew It All Along. Will His Confession Affect His NFL Draft Credibility?

University of Missouri defensive end player Michael Sam is one of the biggest names in the next NFL draft. On Sunday, he made an announcement that will surely affect the professional football draft landscape.

Talking to the New York Times, Sam, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior and a first-team all-American member, admitted that he is gay, a news that nobody in the American football world expected.

"I'm gay. I looked in their eyes, and they just started shaking their heads - like, finally, he came out.

This is the first time that Sam spoke about his situation but said that his teammates already know about it one year ago.

"Some people actually just couldn't believe I was actually gay," Mr. Sam said. "But I never had a problem with my teammates. Some of my coaches were worried, but there was never an issue."

"I just want to make sure I could tell my story the way I want to tell it," said Mr. Sam, who also spoke with ESPN on Sunday. "I just want to own my truth."

 

Sam is projected to become a first rounder in the 2014 draft but he is positive that what he did will not affect his dream of playing in the big league. He even aspires to become the first openly gay player in the NFL.

"I'm not naïve," Mr. Sam said. "I know this is a huge deal and I know how important this is. But my role as of right now is to train for the combine and play in the N.F.L."

 

The NFL has already picked up the news and said in a statement that they are 'proud' of the 24-year old athlete.

"We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage," the NFL said in a statement. "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."

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