Alan Gendreau, a 23-year-old former Middle Tennessee State kicker, is openly gay and he is hoping to play in the 2013 National Football League season after going undrafted last year. The devout Christian, Florida native came out to his family and friends when he was 15. He started dating boys in high school and had some on-again, off-again relationships with his boyfriends through college. Even Alan Gendreau did not hide his sexual preference as he moved to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State, where he was fully embraced by his teammates. During most of the past year, the 5-foot, 10-inch kicker lived in Washington and worked as an assistant at a real estate firm. He is now a free agent and hoping to convince teams to give him a shot at OTAs in the next couple of months. Although the chance of him earning an invite is low, many believe Alan has the talent to lock onto an NFL team. Gendreau amassed 295 points in his career at Murfreesboro. In his sophomore and junior seasons, the Sun Belt Conference's leading scorer kicked a game-winner as time expired against Maryland. In 2009, Alan Gendreau was one of 20 national semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award that honors the top college place-kicker in the U.S.
Alan Gendreau came out as gay at the age of 15. When he came out to his parents in high school, they put him in church-based counseling.
Alan Gendreau was not drafted last year. Instead, he coached at a football camp, where other coaches saw him kick and encouraged him to continue pursuing his dream of playing in the N.F.L.
The all-time leading scorer in Sun Belt Conference once brought his then-boyfriend to a church gathering with friends from high school. He was then removed from the worship after parents of other youth learned that the mystery guest was his boyfriend and he was gay.
As a gay athlete at a Southern college, Alan Gendreau not only felt accepted by his teammates but he was also a successful team member.
Alan Gendreau hoped to get a shot at the NFL this year. If the kicker does make it into the 2013 season, he would not only be the first gay professional football player, but he would also be the first professional player to enter the league openly gay.
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About the Author:Zidane Randall is a certified wellness coach in Ottawa.
Articles Source: Alan Gendreau: Openly gay kicker hopes to get a shot at the 2013 NFL season (Pictures)
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