First Lady Michelle Obama, former NFL
player Deion Sanders and former NBA player Jason Collins applauded
Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam's coming out.
On Sunday, Sam, 24, publicly announced
he's gay: “I'm Michael Sam. … And I'm Gay.”
(Related: Michael
Sam, NFL draft prospect, comes out gay.)
“You're an inspiration to all of us,
@MikeSamFootball. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and
off the field. -mo,” Obama tweeted to her more than 668,000
followers on Monday.
LA Galaxy winger Robbie Rogers, who
came out gay in 2012, messaged: “Very happy for Michael Sam. His
courage will inspire millions to live their truth.”
Deion Sanders, who was inducted to the
Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, also lent his support.
“I applaud Missouri DE
@MichaelSamfootball for his bravery & honesty about who he is. I
pray he gets a[n] opportunity 2 play the game he loves!”
“For the past 2 days I have met with
@MikeSamFootball here in LA,” tweeted Jason Collins, who came out
gay last year. “He is a great young man who has shown tremendous
courage and leadership.”