Ok, first off I put this in the college football and gays in sports forum because I wasn't sure where exactly to put it. Mods please feel free to delete the duplicate one.

On this board Im a newbie and currently I'm a student at the University of Houston and have not played football since I was in high school and just found I didn't have a satisfactory ending to my career. I want to give myself the ultimate test and go the UH football "Walk On Camp" next spring. I realize my chances are very low to make the team even as a scout teamer. What's more of a challenge than to play on a Division 1 team

I was a three-year starter at Offensive Guard for a Houston area private high school but was undersized then and probably nowhere near big enough to be seriously considered as anything other than a college scout teamer (6 foot 1 or 2 and maybe 230 pounds). If nothing else I'd like to get back into my peak physical shape while I still can and get the rush I used to get from playing ball.

The big issue I guess is my sexuality, even though I'm not totally out now, I was completely in the closet then and now things are different. Ya know, I've experienced being out and don't feel like completely going back into the closet again.

I guess I'm asking for your take on this? Good idea or bad idea? I figured this would be a decent place to go.

Star, I think you should give it a shot. You really have nothing to lose except for a little time. I'm a student at Temple University in Philly and I'm considering trying out for the football team as a punter. Last time I tried to punt, I was able to get it about 35 yards, but that was last year. I think I'm able to get it a little further now. This is despite the fact I've never played football or soccer at a high school level.

As for the sexuality issue, I don't know what to tell you. I wouldn't go out and make a big deal about it. You'd be playing football because you like the sport, not because you're gay. If someone asks you, you can either duck the question or be honest about it. You can also address your concerns with the Athletic Department or coach.

Another person to ask for advice would be former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, who came out a few years ago after retiring from a 10-year career. Maybe Cyd Ziegler or Jim Buzinski (Outsports founders) could put you in contact with him. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you luck!