right now. i m michael sam. i m a football player and i m gay. reporter: all american defensive end and nfl hopeful michael sam making history revealing that he is gay in interviews with espn and the new york times. i was afraid it would leak out without me owning my truth. i want to let the world know and tell them i m gay. reporter: if drafted this spring sam would become the first openly gay player in the national football league. i understand how big this is. it is a big deal no one has done this before. and it s kind of nervous process but i know what i want to be and i want to snap in the nfl. reporter: reaction poured in almost instantly with nfl releasing a statement of support writing we admire michael sam s