Michael Sam, an All-American defensive lineman from the University Of Missouri, has come out as a gay man.
The 24-year-old confirmed his sexuality to ESPN's "Outside the Lines." Sam is one of the top 20 defensive ends in the upcoming NFL draft. He is reportedly projected to be a middle round pick.
"I understand how big this is," Sam told ESPN. "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."
"I didn't realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me," Sam added. "I want to own my truth...No one else should tell my story but me."
Sam explained to ESPN his sexuality wasn't a secret to his friends, family and peers. The news didn't come as a surprise to his teammates as well.
"Coaches just wanted to know a little about ourselves, our majors, where we're from, and something that no one knows about you," Sam said. "And I used that opportunity just to tell them that I was gay. And their reaction was like, 'Michael Sam finally told us.' "
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel released a statement regarding Sam's announcement, reiterating how proud he is of Sam for being open with the public.
"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," Pinkel said. "Michael is a great example of just how important it is to be respectful of others, he's taught a lot of people here first-hand that it doesn't matter what your background is, or your personal orientation, we're all on the same team and we all support each other."
