NFL draft: Michael Sam becomes first openly gay player to be drafted by NFL team after St Louis Rams deal

The 24-year-old was the 249th pick overall out of 256

Michael Sam could become the first openly gay man to play in the NFL after being chosen in the final round of the draft by the St Louis Rams.

The 24-year-old played college football with the Missouri Tigers for four years but garnered widespread media coverage earlier this year by announcing his sexuality in media interviews.

Sam, who was the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year in 2013, was the 249th pick overall out of 256.

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher told ESPN: “In the world of diversity we live in now, I'm honoured to be a part of this and I'm excited about his opportunity to help this football team win.”

Sam posted a picture of himself sporting a Rams cap on Twitter along with the message: “Thank you to the St Louis Rams and the whole city of St Louis. I'm using every once of this to achieve greatness!!”

PA