The long journey continues for Michael Sam, though it continues on the right path. After days of anticipation, the NFL has made history, and Sam celebrated with family and friends.

Since he came out in February, sports fans and the rest of the country have been wondering whether Michael Sam will make it into professional football. Two months ago, the University of Missouri player came out with the guidance of a former NFL player who is also gay. The news was well received by his college fans, and since his team had been told at the beginning of the season, there was no evidence that an openly gay player would disrupt team cohesion.

However, Sam's prospects of being picked in draft dwindled. Despite being a consensus all-American player at Missouri and named The Associated Press's defensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference, he was not picked until seventh round of the draft and was the 249th player chosen, according to the New York Times.

On the last day of the draft, NFL Vice President of Game Operations Mike Kensil announced that the St. Louis Rams had picked Sam as a defensive end. Sam expressed his gratitude on social media while he celebrated with family and friends.

"Thank you to the St. Louis Rams and the whole city of St. Louis," Sam tweeted. "I'm using every [ounce] of this to achieve greatness!!"

Soon after the announcement ESPN aired a video of Sam receiving the news back at home with his family. Sam is emotional as he hears the news and promptly celebrates once he hangs up, kissing his boyfriend.

The momentous news was celebrated by many people all over the country via social media. Athletes and stars as well as everyday Americans expressed their support for Sam and congratulated the Rams on their decision. Even the president congratulated Sam and the Rams.

"From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are," Obama said, according to CNN.

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