Michael Sam, Mizzou defensive end, announced he is gay Feb. 9. The 2014 NFL draft prospect and SEC Defensive Player of the Year will become the first openly-gay player in the NFL.

“I am an openly proud gay man,” Sam said, according to ESPN. “I understand how big this is. It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL.”

Sam finished his senior season with 10.5 sacks and helped the Tigers win the AT&T Cotton Bowl 41-31 over Oklahoma State by stripping the ball from OSU quarterback Clint Chelf. Mizzou defensive linemen Shane Ray then picked up the ball and ran it in for a 73-yard score that sealed the game.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed overall support for Sam. The league released a statement regarding his decision to come out:

“We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.”

Sam, listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 260 pounds, was projected to be a third round pick. Many NFL personnel believe the timing of his announcement will affect his draft stock.

“I don’t think football is ready for [an openly gay player] just yet,” an NFL player personnel assistant said. “In the coming decade or two, it’s going to be acceptable, but at this point in time it’s still a man’s-man game.”