First Openly Gay Player Drafted to NFL #MichaelSam

Today openly gay college football star Michael Sam was drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Rams.

In February Michael Sam made history as the first Division I college football player in history to come out as gay. Sam was named the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-SEC selection during his senior year at the University of Missouri.

HRC President Chad Griffin released the following statement in response to the news:

“We congratulate Michael Sam and the St. Louis Rams on their terrific decision to draft him. Today, LGBT young people can look to Sam as proof that being open and proud of who you are doesn’t keep you from achieving your dreams. Gay people are our neighbors and friends. They’re our United States Senators and, starting today, they’re our professional football stars.”

Today we congratulate Sam and proudly celebrate his success.

Athletes and leaders like him are showing what real courage looks like. Let’s give him a high five and thank him for his bravery.