Luke McAvoy, a defensive lineman for the University of Minnesota from 2011-14, wrestled with a secret for years — he was gay. McAvoy hid it fearing rejection but when he summoned the courage to come out, he was met with acceptance and support from teammates.
"It was the acceptance from my teammates that I will remember," he wrote for Outsports. "Being part of a family that did just about everything together for four years was amazing. Being part of a family that turned out to be so much more accepting and supportive than I could have imagined made me realize that I had nothing to fear. The only thing I should have been afraid of was what was in my own mind."
McAvoy discusses his playing days, the reaction since his story appeared and what lessons he wants to share with young LGBT athletes.