The president of the NFL Players Association has expressed his belief that Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam will be welcomed into the league "with open arms".

Sam would become the first openly gay player in NFL history if he is chosen in this year's Draft after coming out during a television interview on Sunday.

The announcement has raised questions over how the 24-year-old would be received in a locker room environment, but NFLPA president Domonique Foxworth is confident that he will be accepted.

"I know that the union will accept him with open arms, as will our players," Foxworth told ESPN.

Sam is the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and is projected as a mid-round Draft pick.