Listen Live
HotSpot ATL Featured Video
CLOSE

michael-sam-michelle-obama

You’ve gotta love how supportive Michelle Obama is of the LGBT community’s brightest starts coming out of the closet. The latest out and proud celebrity is NFL-hopeful, Michael Sam. FLOTUS tweeted (signed “mo” so you know it’s real) her support Sam when came out during interviews on ESPN and  The New York Times.

Screen Shot 2014-02-10 at 1.16.48 PM

The SEC Defensive Player of the Year at the University of Missouri is said to be setting the stage to potentially become the NFL’s first openly gay player, if he is drafted this May. It’s being reported that the young player could be a mid-round pick in the upcoming draft, or even as impressive as a third round pick!

Must Read: Study: Black Boys Hospitalized 10 Times More For Gun Injuries

The New York Times is reporting that during preseason football practice last year, coaches gathered the University of Missouri Tigers and divided them into small groups for a team-building exercise. Each player was asked to talk about themselves–where they grew up, why they chose Missouri and what others might not know about them. This is when Sam courageously stated, “I’m gay.”

Sam then spoke with The Times (his first interview since his confession least year and said, “I looked in their eyes, and they just started shaking their heads — like, finally, he came out.”

FLOTUS has always been super supportive of the LGBT community and always lends her words of support when someone in the public spotlight, especially athletes, come out in a world where gay is still taboo. Remember when NBA player, Jason Collins came out and Michelle Obama invited him to attend the State of the Union as her personal guest? Maybe Sam will get that same courtesy for FLOTUS’ next high profile event.

FLOTUS wasn’t the only support Sam has. Sam tweeted his thanks to NFLers/legends, Jerome Bettis and Deion Sanders, who have also given Sam support during this huge moment in his career.

Screen Shot 2014-02-10 at 1.32.07 PM

Congrats to Michael Sam for boldly being who he is, without apologies!

Related Stories:

Gay Athletes

BEAUTIFUL NEWS: WNBA Chicago Sky Player, Sharnee Zoll-Norman Comes Out, ‘Everyone Knows’  

Check Out This Gallery Of Black Gay Celebs Who Are Out & Proud!

Meet The Future NFLer Who ‘Inspired’ Michelle Obama By Coming Out  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com