Michael Sam, Top College Prospect, Announces He's Gay Months Before NFL Draft

The 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Sam, made a big announcement on Sunday evening, telling the world that he's gay. The move shows a lot of courage as he should become the first openly gay player actively playing in the NFL. His announcement shows the progress that's being made in society and indeed sports.

The 260-pound is being tipped to be a high-round pick in May's 2014 NFL draft. His announcement was a simple one, in which he said " I'm a football player and I'm gay," but there was no need for him to say any more than that. Many have discussed whether or not a gay player could be accepted in sports, but there's no reason why they shouldn't. Missouri have proved this to be true by keeping his secret hidden until he was ready to tell the world.

He told his teammates in August 2013. The youngster was close to telling the world when he told his teammates, but he opted to wait until now. Now he has made history for his off the field bravery as well as his on the field bravery. Now Sam has opened up about who he really is he can concentrate on what truly matters above the public perception, his dream to play in the NFL.

There was no need for anybody to judge the defensive end, and thankfully they didn't. With his bravery hopefully others can step out of the shadows, reveal who they are and be proud of it. If Sam plays as expected in the NFl, he will quickly become adored for his ability, as well as his courage. With sports stars often ridiculed it's refreshing to see one in the news for positive, defining changes they're making to their game.