. >> in the american psyche, football is where our gladiators play, okay?e roughest, macho sport. and jon stewart had this funny thing. >> who is this gay football player? oh, probably a kicker, huh? am i right? you know, a kicker, a gay kicker. >> reporter: at 6'2", 260 pounds, university of missouri defensive lineman, michael sam, used skill and strength to lead the s.e.c. in sacks last year. >> he's a hell of a football player. that's what i'm trying to get people to focus on. >> reporter: pr guru, an abc news consultant worked with michael sam ahead of the announcement. the reaction, including the cover of "sports illustrates," overwhelmingly positive. one dallas sports anchor's commentary went viral. >> you beat a woman and drag her down a flight of stairs pulling her hair out by the roots, you're the fourth guy taken in the nfl draft. you lie to police trying to cover up a murder, we're okay with that. love another man, that's too far. >> reporter: and the president of the golden state warriors is the highest-ranking executive in pro sports who is ope