Arizona State senior offensive lineman Edward "Chip" Sarafin has come out as gay, USA Today reported.
He became the first active Division I college football player to come out to the public, and followed in the footsteps of St. Louis Rams linebacker Michael Sam, who came out publicly after his collegiate career at Missouri ended.
Sarafina 6'6", 320-pound walk-ontold the Phoenix-based gay sports magazine Compete of his sexual orientation in a nonchalant manner, adding he told his teammates last spring. "It was really personal for me, and it benefited my peace of mind greatly," he said in the magazine.
Sam was among those congratulating Sarafin, tweeting, "Congratulations Chip Sarafin for having the courage to be yourself. Wishing you and your teammates much success this season. #courage2014"