Former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam made history on Sunday night, when he announced his homosexuality. Assuming he gets drafted and makes an NFL roster, he would become the league’s first openly gay player.
Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who roomed with Sam at Missouri, said he was proud his fellow Tiger came out.
“I am [proud],” he said on SportsNet New York Tuesday night. “He had his best season when he came out to the team. I’m actually happy for him and it worked out for him, it didn’t go the opposite way. I know he was scared and he was nervous, and being himself and him getting that monkey off his back was well worth it, because he had his best season of football at Missouri.”
Richardson was asked if he knew Sam was gay.
“Yes, I knew,” he said. “Regular guy. He has his own sexuality. It didn’t take nothing from him — he was a great teammate, great person, everything you wanted out of Michael Sam, you got out of him.”
Richardson said he got used to Sam’s lifestyle, even though the defensive end had yet to publicly come out.
“Like I said, I’d seen him pretty much every morning, every day. It’s just something you get used to,” he said. “He left the house, went to school, went to class, went to practice, and came home. It wasn’t anything unusual. He was my guy, my homeboy.”
Richardson also added he thinks Sam will be welcomed in an NFL locker room.
“I believe [so], unless your team’s immature-minded,” he said. “If guys can’t get past that, it’s just crazy. It just might be weird at first for you if you’re not used to it, but sexuality has nothing to do with him being on a football field. He’s a completely different person, he puts his face on, no smiles, he’s serious business. He’s a killer.”