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Michael Sam Celebrates Draft Pick With Kiss for Boyfriend

The former University of Missouri defensive end broke into tears as soon as he heard the news over the phone.
Image: Michael Sam kisses his boyfriend in celebration after finding out he has been drafted by the St. Louis Rams
Michael Sam kisses his boyfriend in celebration after finding out he has been drafted by the St. Louis Rams.ESPN / @neetzan via Twitter

Michael Sam, who on Saturday became the first openly gay player in the National Football League, celebrated the moment he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams by embracing and kissing his boyfriend -- an emotional moment captured by cameras that became an instant online sensation.

The former University of Missouri defensive end broke into tears as soon as he heard the news over the phone. Sam, 24, was picked by the Rams in the seventh round. He was the 249th overall pick.

—Becky Bratu