Michael Sam, the first openly gay man to be drafted by an NFL team, has been named one of GQ’s Men of the Year. The former Cowboys practice squad member will also appear on one of the six covers of the special annual issue.
Sam is currently unsigned by an NFL team, but he continues to work toward being picked up again. After GQ’s announcement, Sam tweeted his thanks:
A big thank you to @GQMagazine for including me among their #GQMOTY - I'm beyond honored to share their company!! pic.twitter.com/nw0gVXhYlb
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) November 17, 2014
Sam’s boyfriend, former University of Missouri swimmer Vito Cammisano, tweeted kudos to his beau with this post:
My man of every year !So proud of what you have & continue to accomplish everyday!! I love you <3 #GQ #GQmanoftheyear pic.twitter.com/xOH2zpzDjf
— Vito (@Vitcamm) November 17, 2014
Sam’s inclusion on the list, following Jason Collins’s naming to the 2013 Men of the Year list, shows a positive trend for the magazine. Just three years ago, @GQfashion got into hot water with the gay community with the tweet “Rules of Street Style: If you have testosterone problems, a mustache doesn't always help. gqm.ag/rXwxIU @adamlambert.” After the jab at gay singer Adam Lambert, GLAAD called for an apology from GQ, which the magazine granted.

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