SEC Defensive player of the year Michael Sam comes out as gay

Michael Sam attended the University of Missouri from 2009 to 2013. As a senior in 2013, Sam was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-SEC selection. In college, Sam accumulated 123 tackles, including 36 for loss, 21 sacks, six forced fumbles and two intercepted passes.

In many 2014 NFL Draft big boards, Sam is listed as a possible second or third round draft pick. In short Sam is going to be playing in the NFL at some point this season.

On February 9th, Michael Sam told the world that he was gay. Imagine the courage it took for the kid to put himself out there.

'The eagle has landed': The exclusive behind-the-scenes story of how NFL prospect Michael Sam came out - Outsports

If drafted, SEC co-defensive player of the year Michael Sam will become the first active openly gay NFL player. Here is our exclusive story on how his announcement came to be.

As expected, everyone has an opinion. What interested me was the support he would receive on Twitter. Many athletes sent positive notes.

How about a Super Bowl MVP:

There is no room for bigotry in American sports. It takes courage to change the culture.

— Malcolm Smith (@MalcSmitty) February 10, 2014

Former team mate and current NFL quarterback:

Had multiple convos with @MikeSamFootball this year, amazed at his honesty & courage! Once a tiger, ALWAYS a Tiger!

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) February 10, 2014

An NFL tight end:

Good for Michael Sam. Takes courage for where he is in his career and where we are as a league. I applaud him.

— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) February 10, 2014

and a punter:

Good for Michael Sam.. Hopefully this'll inspire others to be comfortable and proud of who they are

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 10, 2014

Chad Johnson even had something to say about it:

That takes courage, congrats to him, not sure how accepting NFL teammates will be. RT @jDERO26: Missouri all-American DE announced he's gay

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 10, 2014

Sam's teammates have known that he is gay. They also voted him MVP of the 12 - 2 Missouri Tigers. Their support was also shown on Twitter:

There is no room for bigotry in American sports. It takes courage to change the culture.

— Malcolm Smith (@MalcSmitty) February 10, 2014

It takes a lot of courage to do what he did. And we are behind him all the way.

— Kentrell Brothers✈✈ (@Kentrell_Mizzou) February 10, 2014

We knew of his status for 5 years and not one team member, coach, or staff member said anything says a lot about our family atmosphere

— Donovan Bonner (@ElTorroOcho) February 10, 2014

It takes guts for the kid to come out. At a time when character is going to be questioned over and over again, I think he just showed a ton.