If you’re like many NFL football fans, you are suffering with major withdrawal. It will be seven tortuous months before the opening kickoff of the 2014 season.

But fear not football addicts, there is news for your addled gridiron brains…

This past week, star University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, revealed he was gay. Sam, a likely candidate for the NFL draft, could soon be the first openly gay professional football player.

Sam is a talented defensive player with first-team All-American honors and winning Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. 

Several general managers around the NFL have stated that his sexuality or any player’s sexuality will not hinder their chances of being brought onto their teams. However, others suggest his public announcement could lower his draft status as teams would not want to handle the media attention and distraction his arrival would likely bring.

The NFL has been seen as the ultimate masculine sport for its physicality and the size and strength of its players. Some players have said they would welcome a gay player and even some have even been in support for same-sex marriage. Others have not been as supportive.

Sam would be the first openly gay athlete in major American sports since NBA center, Jason Collins came out in April of 2013.

So what do you think? Will the NFL welcome Sam with open arms? Would you want him on your favorite team?