Report: Current NFL Player Considering Coming Out

One active NFL player is reportedly eyeing an opportunity to come out as gay, while actively playing, according to CBS Sports.

Mike Freeman reports that the play would come out within the next year, after several interviews with current and former players over the course of the past several weeks.

"I'm told this player feels the time is now for someone to take this step -- despite homophobic remarks from San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver and the controversy arising recently at the Indianapolis Scouting combine, when prospects were asked questions about their sexuality," Freeman wrote.

This player's main concerns are not necessarily his teammates' reactions, but homophobic fans, which Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita corroborates.

"Trust me, the coming out of a player would create much bigger waves outside the locker room than inside," he said. "The way I've seen the conversation around LGBT issues evolve, especially in the past few years, has been encouraging. Guys are more accepting than they used to be. Even those who raise personal objections to homosexuality, some of whom are good friends of mine, would still be able to coexist and accept a gay teammate."

The NFL Draft will take place next month, and the regular season begins at the end of the summer.