The Detroit Lions have released a statement commending Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam on his courage to publicly announce that he is gay.

Sam will be part of this year's NFL Draft and will become the league's first ever openly gay player if he is chosen.

Questions have been raised regarding whether Sam's announcement will have an impact on his stock in the Draft, but Lions team president Tom Lewand insists that his side would judge the 24-year-old solely on his football ability when it came to deciding their picks.

"As an organization and football team, the Detroit Lions place the highest priority on inclusiveness and diversity," Lewand said in the statement.

"We applaud Michael Sam for his courage and proactive approach, and we will evaluate him, like every player, based solely on his ability to help the Lions win football games."

Sam, who is predicted to be chosen between the third and fifth rounds of the Draft, is the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year.