Eric Winston: 'Sam will be judged on ability'

Arizona Cardinals right tackle Eric Winston has expressed his belief that Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam will be judged on his ability if he makes it into the NFL next season.

Sam would become the first openly gay player in the history of the league if he is chosen in May's Draft having publicly come out earlier this month.

His announcement prompted questions over whether he would be readily accepted into an NFL locker room, but Winston believes that his performances on the field would dictate that.

"I think at the end of the day, it'll be can he get to the quarterback? Is he going to be making the plays?" Winston told reporters.

Winston's teammate Karlos Dansby echoed those sentiments, claiming that his football ability was the most important factor.