College Football Star Michael Sam Says He’s Gay

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

An All-American football player from the University of Missouri says he’s gay. Michael Sam could become the first openly gay player in the NFL.

FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper reports:

Michael Sam says, with the draft approaching he didn’t want NFL executives to hear rumors.

Sam, who played in the Senior Bowl last month, led the SEC in sacks and tackles and is projected to be a mid-round NFL draft pick.

He tells ESPN that last August he told his teammates that he’s gay.

(Sam) “They took it great, uh, they rallied around me. They supported me and I couldn’t have asked for better teammates.”

Mizzou officials say they’re happy that Sam came out and are proud of him.

An NFL spokesman says they admire his honesty and courage and look forward to welcoming and supporting Sam this year.

Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio.

READ the NFL statement on Michael Sam:

“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.”

READ a tweet from First Lady Michelle Obama:

You're an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the field. -mo

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) February 10, 2014