College football star Michael Sam became the first openly gay athlete to be drafted by a professional sports team today, when the St. Louis Rams selected him number 249 in the 7th round of the National Football League draft.
Sam, a defensive lineman, joins basketball player Jason Collins--who played with the National Basketball Association’s Brooklyn Nets with great success this season–in reaching a historic pro sports milestone this year.
Sam shared tears of joy–and several beautiful kisses–with his boyfriend upon the learning of the news via a phone call from the Rams while at home with family and friends.
Congrats to Sam and all the courageous athletes and activists whose sacrifices over many years made this incredible moment possible.
Watch history unfold live (and ready the tissue!):