The league released a statement saying they admired his "honor and courage."
There was an outpouring of support on Twitter. Here's a sampling from past and present players:
I could care less about a man's sexual preference! i care about winning games and being respectful in the locker room!
- DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam isn't the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let's show him love like a family member. Truth
- DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014
Live your life however u feel is best, do you. But when it comes to sports ALL we care about is an u play.
- shaun king (@realshaunking) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam much respect. #Salute
- Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) February 10, 2014
Hats off to you Michael Sam, that takes some guts #respect
- Jonathan A. Martin (@J_Martin71) February 10, 2014
Good for Michael Sam. Takes courage for where he is in his career and where we are as a league. I applaud him.
- Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) February 10, 2014
Other tweets were supportive, but still problematic. Being gay isn't a "flaw":
I respect Michael Sam big step he has made in his life so many people n this world Dat judge who are we to judge we all have flaws n secrets
- Sammy Watkins (@sammywatkins) February 10, 2014
There has also been a backlash against Sam.
Sports Illustrated ran an article full of anonymous NFL sources who say the league isn't ready for a gay place. One person, an unnamed player personnel assitant, said a gay player would "chemically imbalance" a locker room.
Player Drayton Florence said the same thing:
No comment but it can be a distraction in the locker room. At least he's open with it much respect!
- Agent 29 (@DraytonFlorence) February 10, 2014
The big test will come in April, when Sam is expected to be taken in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. While he's not a top prospect, there was zero chance Sam wouldn't have been drafted before his announcement. If he slides or drops out of the draft completely, it'd be a huge indictment of the NFL.