Incoming Arizona defensive end My-King Johnson will become the first openly gay Division I football player when he steps on the field this season.
Johnson, in an interview with the Arizona Daily Star, says he came out to friends and family at age 12. He came out to Wildcats coaches during the recruitment process and says he felt encouraged by their support.
“I do feel like when I say that, it can put a target on my back,” Johnson said, regarding his openness about his sexuality. “But whatever.”
Johnson was a highly-regarded recruit who flipped commitments from UCLA to Arizona before signing with the Wildcats.