NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that he thinks 2014 Draft prospect Michael Sam has showed a high level of courage by announcing that he is gay.

Sam came out earlier this week, and has received mostly positive support from the rest of the league, including team owners and players.

Now the league's boss has had his say, expressing full support of the former Missouri Tigers defensive end.

Upon attending the Wall Street Project in New York City, Goodell said: "Good for him. He's proud of who he is and had the courage to say it. Now he just wants to play football.

"We have a policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. We will have further training and make sure that everyone understands our commitment. We truly believe in diversity and this is an opportunity to demonstrate it."

The 24-year-old is expected to be chosen between the third and fifth rounds of May's Draft, having been voted the Associated Press SEC Defensive Player of the Year for 2013.