:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28369499/20131021_ter_ac4_369.0.jpg)
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of adding a pass rusher in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft and with Missouri's Michael Sam announcing he's gay on Sunday afternoon, it could create an interesting situation in May.
Some Jaguars players have already spoken out through the media, stating they would welcome an openly gay player in their locker room and it should not matter one way or the other.
"I would welcome a gay teammate same as any other," Jaguars offensive lineman Uche Nwaneri told Mike DiRocco ESPN. "Something about team sports really transcends color and orientation. In between the lines it's all football. Purest form of it. I don't know how it will play out in specific locker rooms around the league, but I know that as adults and professionals the only thing that should matter is the game and the team."
#Jaguars DL Tyson Alualu on Michael Sam: "Even though [being gay] is against what I believe in, it won't affect me if I'm his teammate. cont
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) February 10, 2014
Alualu: "I wouldn't feel like I can't play with him. I respect everybody's boundaries. That took a lot of courage for [Sam] to stand up cont
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) February 10, 2014
Alualu: "for what he believes in. It kind of does surprise me that someone came out before the draft, but it doesn't bother me."
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) February 10, 2014
More Alualu on Michael Sam: "If he's a good player and he's the best available at the time of the [#Jaguars] pick, I feel they'll take him."
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) February 10, 2014
As more players react, we will update this post with their reaction.
