Michael Sam is about to set foot on untrodden ground.  He is a top player heading into the NFL draft and just announced to the world that he is gay.  Almost certain to get drafted, Sam showed an incredible amount of courage by making his announcement just before he heads into the draft.

One could certainly make the case that he hurt his his career and earning capacity by announcing this before the draft as opposed to after he was selected by a team.  Then again, perhaps the piece of mind of going to a team that is mentally and emotionally prepared to meet what will certainly be an incredible challenge is worth whatever financial depreciation he might suffer.

There is a lot of talk about whther or not the NFL is homophobic and will accept Sam into it's community.  I think that players are from a younger generation and less likely to hate than older folk.  I think the media distraction will be the greatest issue.

Thoughts?