NFL Hopeful Michael Sam Proudly Comes Out as Gay (@MikeSamFootball)

Star defensive lineman Michael Sam was participating in a team building exercise put together by his University of Missouri coaches, and he decided to come out to his teammates. During an interview with the New York Times, revealing, “I looked in their eyes, and they just started shaking their heads — like, finally, he came out.”

Sam was a standout, helping his team finish 12-2 and taking home a winning trophy at the Cotton Bowl. His teammates also voted him most valuable player, and the first-team all-American was also named Associated Press defensive player of the year in the SEC. 

After sensing that rumors of his sexual preference were circulating, Sam decided that he wanted to tell the world on his own terms. 

“I just want to make sure I could tell my story the way I want to tell it. I just want to own my truth.”

The NFL also sent out a statement following Sam’s statement, “We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the N.F.L. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.”

Source: NYTimes