My-King Johnson is a prized 6-foot-4, 225 pound defensive end recruit who verbally committed to UCLA before switching to the University of Arizona on signing day. He’s a force that is expected to make an impact the minute he puts pads on in Tucson. He’s also set to become the first active openly gay scholarship football player in NCAA history.
“I do feel like when I say that [I’m gay], it can put a target on my back. But whatever,” Johnson said to The Arizona Daily Star.
The Daily Star also describes what it was like when Johnson told UA assistant Vince Amey about his sexuality while being recruited:
“The coach’s reaction — “We want you to be a Wildcat” — was exactly what he wanted to hear.” …
… “When I found out, I really couldn’t sleep,” Amey said. “And it wasn’t like I was uncomfortable with it. I was just like, all right, it’s different, it’s new. … I said, ‘Look, you are who you are, I am who I am, and I’m going to coach you the same way. I’m going to treat you the same way. I’m going to get on you the same way as everybody else. There’s no difference. You do what you do.’ I said, ‘When the players find out, especially my room, I’m going to tell (those) dudes: “Look, you gotta have his back.” ‘ “
Johnson’s highlight reel
Johnson came out to his family when he was 12, who embraced him right away.
The high school football star is being held from media interviews right now, but had this simple message on Twitter:
Michael Sam was also a defensive end — for Missouri — but announced he was gay in February 2014 roughly a month after completing his college career.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports.
