>Gay Middle Tennessee State Kicker

Gay Middle Tennessee State KickerAlan Gendreau is nothing if not unique. The devout Christian, Florida native was a superstar kicker for the Middle Tennessee State’s Blue Raiders; he is also openly gay. As an athlete at a Southern college, Gendreau was not only a successul team member, but he also felt accepted by his teammates. Now, he has his sights set on the National Football League (NFL).Gendreau gave an exclusive interview to OutSports’ Cyd Zeigler about life as an openly gay college athlete and his NFL prospects, revealing that when he came out to his MT team in freshman year, they fully embraced him."Everyone just saw him as a football player," MT holder and team punter Josh Davis told OutSports. "He was just one of the guys. The fact that he proved himself on the field, there was a respect for him."The 5 foot, 10 inch kicker, who graduated from MT last year, knows the NFL is a long shot for him this year. Gendreau is currently a free agent, and only the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers are likely to draft a kicker this year. Still, it isn’t impossible."It’s totally legit that he can get into the league," Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, who is also a gay rights advocate, told OutSports. "Place kicking is all about doing this one specific skill set. And if you can do that, you can make Pierre Garcon Authentic Jersey it whether you’ve been out of football for one year or 10 years."Visit OutSports to read Alan Gendreau’s interview.If he does make it into the NFL, Gendreau would not only be the first gay professional football player, but he would also be the first professional player to enter the league openly gay.Gay players in sports have been especially controversial lately. Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo revealed earlier this month that as many as four current football players are in talks to come out in the near future. Following this statement, the NFL met with gay rights groups to discuss enacting policies to end homophobia and combat discrimination.The NFL would likely embrace a player like Gendreau, and why not? The first openly gay, male athlete will likely rake in millions in endorsement deals and garner major attention for the team."We have seen time and time again that diversity is a benefit," Hudson Taylor, founder and executive director of pro tolerance nonprofit Athlete Ally, previously told The Huffington Post. "It’s a benefit in corporate America; it’s a benefit in schools; and it’s a benefit in sports. An athletic culture that welcomes and includes LGBT athletes will ultimately draw improved talent and create more unified and respectful team cultures.""These ideas are resonating for the sports community at www.redskinsonlineprostore.com/WOMENS-RYAN-KERRIGAN-JERSEY.html all levels, from the leagues to the players to the corporate sponsors. And perhaps most importantly, they are resonating for fans," he continued. "Though a player’s decision to come out is intensely personal and something about which only he or she knows best, it is a promising time as the sports community welcomes those decisions and the corporate community incentivizes them."Brendon AyanbadejoFormer Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Brendon Ayanbadejo, has been a vocal long time supporter of marriage equality. The football player blogged about same sex marriages for The Huffington Post in 2009, made a video for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, and donated Ravens tickets to the cause, which drew criticism from Baltimore County Delegate Emmett Burns Jr. in late August.Chris KluweChris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings punter, lashed out at Baltimore County Delegate Emmett Burns Jr. in a letter of his own.Kluwe asked in his letter, "How does gay marriage, in any way, shape or form, affect your life?"Hudson TaylorHudson Taylor, a three time all American wrestler from the University of Maryland, (and HuffPost Gay Voices blogger) started his foundation, Athlete Ally, which encourages "all individuals involved in sports to respect every member of their communities, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression," in January 2011.Athlete Ally teamed up with GLAAD and they recently announced that the NBA is the first major sports league that will receive sensitivity training from Taylor’s organization.Justin VerlanderDetroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander said in a CNN interview: "I don’t think one of our players would Pierre Garcon Elite Jersey be scared to come out. We got 25 guys, it’s a family, and our goal is to win a World Series," Verlander said in the interview. "What your sexual orientation is, I don’t see how that affects the ultimate goal of our family."Sean Avery Retired New York Ranger Sean Avery Robert Griffin III Limited Jersey caused a splash last year when he became, what’s believed, the first pro athlete to voice support for gay marriage in New York. Since then, Avery teamed up with fellow ally, Hudson Taylor, joining in Athlete Ally’s message of combating homophobia in sports.Henrik LundqvistHenrik Lundqvist is the goaltender for the New York Rangers. The 2012 Vezina Trophy winner for the best goaltender, Lundqvist backstopped Sweden to a 2006 Olympic Gold Medal. Off the ice, Lundqvist has been named to People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People List. When asked about his work with the "You Can Play Project," Lundqvist said: "For me, it’s obvious that everyone should have the same rights and ability to play the game. It doesn’t matter race or sexual orientation."David PocockAustralian rugby player David Pocock says he will not marry until gay marriage is made legal Down Under. "We’ve moved forward on so many issues and this is the next progression," Pocock said while appearing on the Australian Broadcasting Company TV show "Q in August.Michael IrvinMichael Irvin, former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Famer, appeared on Out magazine’s cover last July. Irvin spoke out for LGBT rights and marriage equality, citing his late gay brother’s passing. He also said he would support any athlete in the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB who comes out.Donte StallworthDonte Stallworth, former Baltimore Raven and teammate of Brendon Ayanbadejo, showed his support on Twitter, tweeting a string of messages for marriage equality and LGBT rights. tweeted his support for gay marriage, backing up the President after Obama made his own endorsement announcement in May.On the other hand, Mayweather’s rival, Manny Pacquiao, said he believes marriage is between a man and a woman.Sergio MartinezArgentinian boxer Sergio Martinez made a video for the "It Gets Better Project" last March. The 37 year old Martinez was bullied himself growing up and helps others who have been http://www.redskinsonlineprostore.com/WOMENS-TRENT-WILLIAMS-JERSEY.html the victims of bullying.Charles Barkley In true Charles Barkley fashion, the NBA Hall of Famer has been a long time supporter of gay marriage and gay rights, making tongue in cheek (yet admirable) comments as early as 2006.Barkley said on air last year, "God bless the gay people. They are great people." And in response to Sean Avery’s advocacy, Barkley added he’d have no problem playing with an openly gay teammate.Claude GirouxClaude Giroux is the captain of the Philadelphia Flyers. In 2012, he was ranked the 3rd best player in hockey by The Hockey News. The 25 year old superstar was also the coverboy for EA Sports NHL Robert Griffin III Elite Jersey 2013. Nicknamed "G," Giroux appeared in a PSA for the "You Can Play" Project in 2012.Steve NashWhen Phoenix Suns president and CEO Rick Welts came out to NBA all star Steve Nash, he said he’d support Welts. Soon after, Nash made a video for HRC’s New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, saying he’s proud to be a part of a growing group of athletes speaking out for gay marriage.