Michael Sam made a splash in the sports world over the weekend when the University of Missouri football player became one of the first openly LGBT NFL prospects. Athletes, commentators, classmates, and even Michelle Obama have offered up their support for the young athlete. Here are some of our favorites:
You're an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the field. -mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) February 10, 2014
Congratulations on leading the way, @MikeSamFootball. That's real sportsmanship.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 10, 2014
Thank you to @MikeSamFootball& all of the players, @mizzoufootball& coaches at @mizzou– your courage is an inspiration to all of us.–VP
— Office of VP Biden (@VP) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam isn't the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let's show him love like a family member. Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014
There is no room for bigotry in American sports. It takes courage to change the culture.
— Malcolm Smith (@MalcSmitty) February 10, 2014
Best of luck in the draft @MikeSamFootball. #respect#YouCanPlay@YouCanPlayTeam
— Zak DeOssie (@zdeossie) February 10, 2014
Good for Michael Sam.. Hopefully this'll inspire others to be comfortable and proud of who they are
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 10, 2014
Good for Michael Sam. Takes courage for where he is in his career and where we are as a league. I applaud him.
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) February 10, 2014
Our statement on Michael Sam: We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage. Michael is a football player...more
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello)
Our statement on Michael Sam: We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage. Michael is a football player...more
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) February 10, 2014
NFL workplace anti-discriminstion policy regarding sexual orientation here. @NFL345: NFL Statement on Michael Sam http://t.co/MOrRe3tUYK
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) February 10, 2014
...Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) February 10, 2014
@MikeSamFootball#respect bro. It takes guts to do what you did. I wish u nothing but the best
— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) February 10, 2014
It appears that @Mikesamfootball is a very high character guy. Beyond athletics, this is what u need in the locker room, & on the field. -SG
— steve gleason (@TeamGleason) February 10, 2014
Why do younger GMs matter, on Michael Sam coming out? Team exec: “… increased tolerance and awareness of younger generations.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 10, 2014
I can't wait to cheer for whatever lucky team that drafts @mikesamfootball. Personally I hope he goes to my favorite team. The @Colts
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) February 10, 2014
Very happy for Michael Sam. His courage will inspire millions to live their truth.
— Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) February 10, 2014
Proud to be part of a university that shows so much support to news like that! Speaks volumes about Mizzou's values! #OneMizzou
— Andrew Baggett (@ABaggett99) February 10, 2014
We are a family, we don't judge. We just make plays and win football games.
— Julio (@Iam_TheDonDada) February 10, 2014
We support Tigers of all stripes at Mizzou. Proud of you @MikeSamFootball! #OneMizzouhttp://t.co/ueLCOJ4RFFpic.twitter.com/DvJ2vTIbgU
— Mizzou (@Mizzou) February 10, 2014