Former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, a projected NFL draft pick in May, made it publicly known Sunday night that he is gay, setting the stage to become the NFL's first openly gay player. Reaction to the news on Twitter was explosive:
Support for Sam at Memorial Stadium. #OneMizzou pic.twitter.com/kzo1G1td1I
— Mizzou (@Mizzou) February 10, 2014
@MikeSamFootball #respect bro. It takes guts to do what you did. I wish u nothing but the best
— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) February 10, 2014
After getting to know Michael Sam over the course of the last few weeks, I am very impressed with what I learned... http://t.co/IvhyLvrMi9
— Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam isn't the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let's show him love like a family member. Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014
I could care less about a man's sexual preference! i care about winning games and being respectful in the locker room!
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 10, 2014
Did an interview over the weekend about the ability/talent of @mikesamfootball - Bottom line - Dude is a PLAYER...relentless&explosive.
— Herb Hand (@CoachHand) February 10, 2014
Proud of you Mike! Keep eating, you gonna kill the next level #SEC
— Ja'Wuan James (@JawuanJames70) February 10, 2014
Great courage by SEC Def POY...It's time for the NFL to show it's colors!⚡️"NFL Prospect Michael Sam Comes Out http://t.co/HRKzwUeS2M"
— Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) February 10, 2014
I'm so tired of hearing about who gay and who not. I could care less.
— FABIAN WASHINGTON (@FABEWASH31) February 10, 2014
That took some courage but man his draft stock is going to plummet even though it should be based on production and how he can contribute‼️
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 10, 2014
No comment but it can be a distraction in the locker room. At least he's open with it much respect!
— Dflo29 (@DraytonFlorence) February 10, 2014
Wow! Huge news out of Missouri! Good for Michael Sam, a brave move.
— Khaled Holmes (@KhaledHolmes) February 10, 2014