Ever since Missouri defensive end Michael Sam came out as gay, debates have risen as to whether the NFL is ready for an openly gay player. Sam is expected to be taken in the NFL Draft, making him the first openly gay NFL player.
In a poll of players across the league, 44 out of the 51 players surveyed said they don't care if they have a gay teammate. According to Sporting News, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick were revealed as players who wouldn't mind having a gay teammate.
According to Yahoo! Sports, Newton said that Sam would absolutely be welcomed in the Panthers' locker room. Kaepernick also said that "his job is a linebacker" in a joint interview with Newton.
However, only 25 players said they believe a gay player would feel comfortable in an NFL locker room. One player also said that Sam may endure a different environment than the Missouri locker room, which showered him with support.
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