Jack Burkman announced his proposal Monday, The Hill reports.
The idea reportedly came to him a few weeks ago after Hitchcock native and Missouri All-American DE Michael Sam publicly revealed he is gay. If Sam is drafted, he will be the first openly gay NFL athlete.
Burkman, who runs the Burkman Associates lobbying firm, claims to have political backing for the bill. No supporting lawmakers have been named.
Sam has not responded to the proposed legislation, nor has the NFL.
After Sam's announcement, the NFL released the following statement: "We admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014."
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