“To anyone out there, especially young people feeling like you don’t fit in, or are not accepted, great things can happen when you have the courage to be yourself.”
Those encouraging words uttered by Michael Sam in an emotional speech back in July at the ESPY Awards haven’t fallen on deaf ears – and this Arizona State University linebacker is proving it.
Edward “Chip” Sarafin became the first openly gay Division I football player Wednesday, when he revealed in an article published by Compete, a gay sports magazine, that he is gay.
Sarafin told Compete that he started coming out to his teammates last spring.
“It was really personal to me, and it benefited my peace of mind greatly,” Sarafin said.
”We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual’s commitment to the Sun Devil Way,” said Head Coach Todd Graham.
Congratulations Chip Sarafin for having the courage to be yourself. Wishing you and your teammates much success this season. #courage2014
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 13, 2014
Sarafin is a fifth year student working towards his masters in biomedical engineering. The ASU linebacker has made achievements both on and off the field, conducting research on football related concussions.
SOURCE: Time | PHOTO CREDIT: Arizona State University
