Missouri's senior defensive end Michael Sam announced he was gay yesterday on ESPN in an interview with Chris Connelly. Projected to land somewhere between the 3rd and 5th rounds of this spring's NFL draft, he's the first openly gay NFL draft prospect. Remember those projections, for he might surpass them because of his interview -- not because he's gay.

The decision has not only appeared to lead to emotional relief, but, as Sam hinted at, it was a chance to write his own story amid whispers he heard at the senior bowl.

"I didn't realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me," he said. "I want to own my truth. ... No one else should tell my story but me."

It was also, in a way, a strategic move. Though first reaction is to wonder why Sam didn't wait until after the draft to make his announcement -- and thus keep his sexuality and his draft credentials separate -- his announcement may actually force NFL executives to only consider his talent.

If most players at the senior bowl already knew, likely general managers also knew or would soon find out. Either privately or in closed-door discussions with other draft personnel, they could use that information in a decision against choosing Sam. Some teams might not want the media attention down the road if they believed Sam would choose to come out during his NFL career -- or spark the type of locker room behavior that doomed the Miami Dolphins. Now that it's open knowledge -- and they've seen the strength and character with which Sam made the announcement -- they're evaluation must be more closely tied to the man's professional prospects.

Of course, this is the National Football League. Regardless of Sam's announcement, winning is top priority (and sports locker rooms have always been one of the more underrated places of acceptance). Probably his draft slot wouldn't have been affected if he kept his sexuality private, or if he made the announcement and declined the interview.

The video is where Sam may benefit the most, draft wise. The six minute clip demonstrated Sam's capable public speaking skills, his perseverance to succeed despite a rough upbringing, a Missouri team that's clearly supported him throughout his career, and, finally, a man understanding of the announcement's significance ("I understand how big this is," he said), but one whose reasons for making it were much more personal. If guys like Tyrann Mathieu can fall because of character, than perhaps guys like Sam can rise because of it.