Russell Wilson says Seahawks would welcome gay player

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson says he has no problem with an openly gay player on his team or in the NFL, and praised Michael Sam for coming out as gay before the NFL draft.

Wilson, making a round of national media appearances Tuesday, was asked by the hosts of Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” show about the controversy surrounding Sam, the Missouri defensive end seeking to become the first openly gay player in the NFL.

“When I step in the huddle for the Seattle Seahawks, my focus is on winning football games and our goal is one goal and that’s to win the Super Bowl. And every time we step onto the field that’s our mindset,” Wilson said. “So when I step into the huddle, I don’t care whether my offensive lineman is white, black. If my receiver is Jewish or Christian. That has no effect on me,” said Wilson.

Wilson called Sam “courageous” for coming out, and said if he joined the Seahawks, the team would treat him with “utmost respect just like everybody else.”

“You have a lot of respect for somebody that can do that,” Wilson said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show.