The star defensive end and likely NFL draft pick from Missouri came out publicly tonight.
Michael Sam, a star defensive end for Missouri who is eligible for the upcoming NFL draft, announced tonight in an interview with the New York Times that he is gay. Here's what we know so far about Sam's past and potential future.
Jamie Squire / Getty
He is a very good player.
In 2013, his redshirt senior season, Sam was a first-team All-American and led the SEC, the nation's most competitive college football conference, in sacks with 11.5.
Kansas City Star / McClatchy-Tribune
On the merits, he would likely be a high draft choice with an excellent chance of making an NFL roster.
CBS ranks Sam as the 90th-best prospect in this year's draft, which means that he would be worth picking in the third of the draft's seven rounds. Last year's 90th pick, Kayvon Webster, made the Denver Broncos and was on the team's active roster when they played in the Super Bowl.
Dilip Vishwanat / Getty