National Football League

Sheldon Richardson praises his former roommate Michael Sam

Published Feb. 12, 2014 1:16 p.m. ET

Sid Saraf

Sheldon Richardson couldn't be happier for his former roommate at Missouri.

The Jets defensive tackle had kind words for Michael Sam, after the latter came out as gay just a few days ago. Sam is poised to become the first openly gay player in NFL history. Richardson, for one, is proud of him.

"He had his best season when he came out to the team, so I'm actually happy for him," Richardson said in an interview with SNY. "It worked out for him (and it) didn't go the opposite way, because I know he was scared and nervous, just for him to be himself. Just him getting that monkey off his back was well worth it 'cause he had his best season of football at Mizzou."

Richardson and Sam shared a house during their days in college. The two were teammates for two seasons before Richardson -- the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 -- left for the NFL. However, Richardson got a close look at Sam's playing style.

"He was a great teammate, a great person" Richardson said. "Everthing you wanted out of him, you got out of him. ... I promise you, his sexuality has nothing to do with him playing on the football field.

"He is a completely different person. He put this face on: No smiles, serious business. He's a killer."

But what about NFL locker rooms? Will they be able to accept Sam as a teammate? New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas said the league isn't ready to accept a gay player yet.

"I think society is ready for it and America's ready for it, but I don't think the NFL is," Thomas said. "As a player, all you want to know is if he can play. That's on the field. But in the locker room, it's different. There's a lot of talk and joking around, and some guys walk around completely naked all the time, and they might not want to do that anymore. When you add that situation to the mix, I think it's going to make some people uncomfortable."

Well, Richardson is having none of that.

"If guys can't get past that then, I mean, it's just crazy," Richardson said. "Of course, it might be weird at first if you aren't used to it, because like I said, with me living with him, it was a little bit unusual at first. But it's stuff you look past."

Exactly.

(H/T to the New York Daily News for the story)