Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) is congratulated by defensive lineman Lucas Vincent (96) after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri in this file photo from October 19, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Sam, a 6-foot, 2-inch (188-cm), 260-pound (118-kg) pass rusher, was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after leading the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss, and was projected to be mid-round pick in the upcoming seven-round NFL draft.

The draft will be held May 8 to 10 at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Sam could not immediately be reached for comment.

In the Times video, Sam said that when he first spoke with his teammates about his sexuality last August, they rallied around him and supported him.

"Is this a huge deal? I understand that it is. But my purpose and focus right now is playing football," he said. "I probably may be the first but I won't be the last. And I think only good things is gonna come from this."

Brian Ellner, a gay-rights activist and board member of the group Athlete Ally, said, "We expect the leadership at NFL teams around the country, and the league itself, to wholeheartedly embrace the change that is not only sweeping our nation in the form of law, but also defining our playing fields and culture.

"How Michael Sam is received on the professional level will go a long way in defining the NFL's legacy," Ellner said.

Last April, veteran basketball player Jason Collins revealed he was gay in a Sports Illustrated article. The announcement was made after the regular season, and Collins, who was nearing the end of his career, was not subsequently signed for the 2013-2014 season. Collins was the first openly gay athlete in any of North America's four major professional sports leagues, though he never competed as an openly gay player.

Sam, should he be drafted as expected and make an NFL roster in the 2014 season, would become the first openly gay player to compete in any of North America's four major professional sports leagues - football, baseball, basketball and hockey.