Michael Sam made history this weekend as he’s officially become the first openly gay football player in the NFL!
The former Missouri Tigers baller – who came out publicly several months ago – was just drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh and final round, making him the first openly gay player in the league.
The All-American defensive end received the news while at home with family, friends, and his boyfriend. ESPN was there to film his reaction, and it’s easy to see he was overwhelmed with joy as he broke down in his boyfriend’s arms.
Michael tweeted about getting drafted moments later:
Thank you to the St. Louis Rams and the whole city of St. Louis. I’m using every once of this to achieve greatness!! pic.twitter.com/QESdOJVzsw
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) May 10, 2014
President Obama was one of the first to congratulate Michael on this victory. He said in a statement:
“From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are.”
Check out more of reactions to Michael Sam getting drafted below and watch his own reaction up above.
Welcome to the squad @MikeSamFootball #D-LineShowtime
— Robert Quinn (@RQuinn94) May 10, 2014
Congratulations to Michael Sam. It’s a victory for LOVE.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 10, 2014
Congrats to @MikeSamFootball on being drafted in the 7th Round by the St. Louis Rams!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 11, 2014
Thousands of homophobes heads just exploded. Congrats Michael Sam. Welcome to the NFL.
— Jon Ryan (@JonRyan9) May 10, 2014
Congrats, Michael Sam. Congrats, Rams. And apologies to picks 250-256 but I miiiiiight call it a day.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) May 10, 2014
Welcome to the NFL, @MikeSamFootball. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/bv3q5A2jRE
— NFL (@nfl) May 10, 2014
Very happy for @MikeSamFootball . You only experience getting drafted once. Congrats!
— Blair Walsh (@BlairWalsh3) May 10, 2014
Congrats to Michael Sam
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) May 10, 2014
Congrats to @MikeSamFootball on becoming a @STLouisRams Welcome to the #Rams family.
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) May 10, 2014
Congrats to fellow game of throner @MikeSamFootball on being drafted by the rams
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) May 10, 2014
Thrilled to be part of both a great and historic draft. Looking forward to these 11 players joining our quest for a championship.
— Kevin Demoff (@kdemoff) May 11, 2014
Change is here.
PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter
