The NFL have released a statement expressing their support for Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam after he announced on Sunday that he is gay.

Sam made the revelation just three months before entering the 2014 Draft, meaning that he would become the first openly gay player in NFL history should he be chosen.

Most experts project the 24-year-old as a mid-round Draft pick, and the NFL's senior vice-president of communications, Greg Aiello is looking forward to having him in the league.

"We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014," Aiello said in a statement.

Sam is a first-team All-American and was named as the Associated Press' SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season.