As I scrolled down through numerous Web pages searching for something to write about, I came across something that caught my eye: gay football players in the National Football League (NFL).

While, for some, this may not be the most comfortable subject to talk about, that is too bad. You might want to close the page now—because I plan to elaborate on this subject.

According to bleacherreport.com, an NFL player who is homosexual was currently looking for a spot on a team prior to this NFL season. He had expressed interest in coming out to coaches and organizations, and did so. Most coaches and teams were fine with this—key word most.

Ultimately, the plan was set in stone for this player to be signed by an NFL team that had shown interest in him, and they were also knowingly aware of his sexual orientation as well, according to bleacherreport.com.

Sadly, this plan never took center stage. The player was never signed.

The team’s response to this was that it feared intense media coverage over signing an openly gay player, according to bleacherreport.com. However, bleacherrreport.com also reported that an NFL executive was quoted saying the NFL was not ready for an openly gay player, at least not for a couple of years.

Bleacherreport.com reporter, Mike Freeman, believes the NFL got cold feet—I further that statement.

It is 2013, almost 2014. Sexual orientation issues are almost behind us for the most part, why is it still an issue in professional sports? These athletes, those in which young children admire and look up too, should be the group leading the pack in gay rights advocacy.

I know, you are probably about to pop the question about the locker room situation—that should not even be an issue. I have played organized sports since I was four. I have been in a locker room since I was in middle school, and yes, I have had to share a locker room and shower with someone I believed to be homosexual. Nothing happened, and no, I did not feel threatened.

I just feel that it is painstakingly obvious that some professional athletes, along with organizations and executives, still have a severe case of homophobia.

It will not be until this issue is addressed and mended that our country can begin to completely absolve homophobia on a large scale. Yet the chances of that happening seen slim to none, as I stated before, it is 2013.

Though, there are some players in professional sports that are taking the steps in the right direction to support and further gay rights. Brendon Ayanbadejo, a former Baltimore Raven, is one of these players, according to bleacherreport.com. Yet, the margin is still slim, and I am calling for larger support.

Unfortunately, that is easier said than done.