- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Michael Sam could become the first openly gay NFL player.
The draft prospect, who graduated from the University of Missouri in December, came out in separate interviews with The New York Times and ESPN on Sunday. Sam, 24, said he chose to come out now — ahead of the NFL draft — because rumors had begun circulating and he wanted to get out in front of them.
“I just want to make sure I could tell my story the way I want to tell it,” Sam told The Times. “I just want to own my truth.”
PHOTOS: My Big, Gay Hollywood Wedding (Finally!)
He also revealed that he told his teammates of his sexual orientation last year during a preseason team-building exercise.
“I looked in their eyes, and they just started shaking their heads — like, finally, he came out,” said Sam, who along with his teammates finished last season 12-2 and beat Oklahoma State in January’s Cotton Bowl. Sam also was named a first-team All-American and Defensive Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference. His teammates also voted him Missouri’s most valuable player.
Sam is working with Hollywood public relations veteran Howard Bragman, who has previously helped other stars including Meredith Baxter publicly come out, along with athletes such as former NFL player Esera Tuaolo (who came out after he retired), golfer Rosie Jones, WNBA player Sheryl Swoopes and former NBA player John Amaechi.
PHOTOS: Straight Actors in Gay Roles
“What really became clear was that it wasn’t going to hold until the Combine [set for Feb. 19-25],” Bragman told Outsports of Sam’s timing. “Too many calls and too many journalists were sniffing around. So we decided to give the Super Bowl its chance to breathe, and we’d come in with a sneak announcement on Monday, Feb. 10.”
As for Sam potentially becoming the first publicly gay NFL player, Bragman — who also is openly gay — told Outsports that the prospect is perfect for that role.
“If we were choosing someone to be the first, we’d choose someone like Michael,” Bragman said. “Smart, athletic, handsome. I don’t think Central Casting could have come up with someone better.”
Sam’s revelation comes nearly a year after that of NBA player Jason Collins, who became the first openly gay active male pro athlete when he revealed his sexual orientation in a Sports Illustrated cover story.
PHOTOS: Hollywood’s Best Football Movies
GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis applauded Sam.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Many others in Hollywood and the professional sports world also commended Sam.
“@SportsCenter: Missouri All-American DE Michael Sam: “I am an openly, proud gay man.” » http://t.co/LEHdlcM88A” Respect.
— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) February 10, 2014
Congratulations to you, Michael Sam. Let’s hope the world you’re about to enter is ready for you….
— Josh Elliott (@JoshElliottABC) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam makes me have so much #Mizzou pride. Courage. http://t.co/quPu9fP6Ru
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) February 10, 2014
RT @ESPNNFL: MUST READ: NFL Draft Prospect Michael Sam announces he’s gay. Full story here >> http://t.co/uyhrzS0IyO …good for him
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) February 10, 2014
Mizzou football all American Michael Sam very courageous “coming out” 2day. Guy is proud to tell his story as he gets ready for NFL DRAFT
— Stuart Scott (@StuartScott) February 10, 2014
Hats off to you Michael Sam, that takes some guts #respect
— Jonathan A. Martin (@J_Martin71) February 10, 2014
For the past 2 days I have met with @MikeSamFootball here in LA. He is a great young man who has shown tremendous courage and leadership
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) February 10, 2014
Related Stories
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day