The NFL has credentialed a gay publication for the Super Bowl for the first time. With Outsports headed to Phoenix this week for Super Bowl XLIX, we requested a credential late last year and the NFL granted the request with a press box credential. Cyd Zeigler will represent Outsports in Phoenix Wednesday to Monday, connecting with folks in the sports media and various players, coaches and front office executives. Oh, and yes, hitting the parties and covering the game.

The fact that this is the first time the NFL has credentialed an LGBT publication may be more a factor of the publications than the NFL. Out magazine editors Aaron Hicklin and Jerry Portwood said they weren't sure the magazine had ever submitted a request. Though one other LGBT publication said they had requested a credential but never heard back. So it may be more – or as much – a function of lack of requests than lack of granting said requests.

As we've said for a while, the NFL front office is incredibly supportive of LGBT issues and Outsports in particular. The League had previously credentialed Outsports for the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando in March earlier this year. In addition, spokespeople Greg Aiello and Brian McCarthy have gone out of their way to provide Outsports whatever it needs over the years. Troy Vincent, EVP of NFL Football Operations, has also been incredibly kind to us and to Wade Davis, with whom he has struck up a powerful relationship.

Certainly the collective rejection of Michael Sam by 32 active rosters this season was not a good thing, more of a reflection of where the management of the individual teams is than the league office itself.

Do be sure to say hi if you're in Phoenix for the game, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for Super Bowl updates all week!

Outsports is on Twitter @Outsports and on Facebook here.
Cyd is on Twitter @CydZeigler and on Facebook here.
Jim is on Twitter @JimBuzinski and on Facebook here.

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