Black NFL Player on Being LGBT Ally

In September, Baltimore Ravens star Brendon Ayanbadejo rose to prominence as an LGBT ally when he spoke out in favor of marriage equality in Marlyand. His race and status as a professional athlete made him something of a unique advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community -- or did they?

According to Ayanbadejo, teammates black and white alike have praised him for his efforts. Progress! From Rolling Out:

Last week, voters in Maryland and three other states, Maine, Minnesote and Washington, approved marriage-equality measures for their states which will allow same-sex couples the right to marry and enjoy the rights that come with it.

In a new interview with "TMZ," [Ayanbadejo] says that he was thrilled with his state's decision to pass same-sex marriage laws, but he wasn't alone. Apparently, some of his teammates were just as proud of their state's progress and Ayanbadejo's social commentary.

"Three Raiders congratulated me on working with and for marriage equality. I remember their names but I will keep that to myself."

Though Ayanbadejo wouldn't share the names of his supportive teammates, he did share their ethnicities.

"Ethnicity-wise, it was two white guys and one black guy. Ethnicity plays an important part in this movement," Ayanbadejo shared.

Read more at TMZ and Rolling Out.

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