Edward "Chip" Sarafin is an American former football offensive lineman from Gilbert, Arizona."Chip Sarafin Arizona State roster" In 2014, he became the first openly gay active NCAA Division I player when he came out as gay.Jennings, Chantel "Chip Sarafin comes out publicly" ABC News, August 13, 2014
College career Sarafin attended Arizona State University where he walked-on to the football team. His main contribution to the team was as a member of the "scout team" and he was not a regular active player.Cooper, Sam "Arizona State lineman Edward 'Chip' Sarafin becomes first active player to come out publicly as gay" Yahoo! Sports, August 13, 2014
In the August 2014 issue of Compete Magazine, he became the first active NCAA Division I player to come out publicly as gay.Wyrick, Joshua "Making the Grade" "Compete Magazine", August 2014 He had come out to teammates months before the announcement, and posted pictures with his boyfriend on social media. Head coach Todd Graham and Athletic Director Ray Anderson issued statements of support following the announcement."Chip Sarafin: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know" "Heavy.com", August 13, 2014 Sarafin cited Michael Sam, who had privately come out to teammates the previous season, as an inspiration. Sam tweeted his support of Sarafin following the announcement.Carroll, Ben "Michael Sam and Chip Sarafin open the door for future gay athletes" "The University Daily Kansan", August 18, 2014 The following week, Sarafin was among five walk-ons put on scholarship for the upcoming season."Chip Sarafin among 5 walk-ons put on scholarship by ASU"
See also
Homosexuality in American football List of LGBT sportspeople
References