Former Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo says there could be an openly gay NFL player on the field “sooner than you think.”

In fact, he says there may be as many as four announcements from gay players around the league, all on the same day.

(sidebar: I bet there’s a “househusband” out there fuming mad that this didn’t happen 10 years ago…? 😯 )

[FLASHBACK: Gay Rumors Plagued Kordell Stewart’s NFL Career… ]

But I digress.

Details of Ayanbadejo’s statements below…

Ayanbadejo was released by Baltimore this offseason, and on the heels of comments earlier this week where he suggested that he was cut in part because of his outspoken stance on gay rights and equality issues, Ayanbadejo decided to clarify himself.

During an hour-long interview with the Baltimore Sun earlier today, Ayanbadejo made it clear that he harbors no resentment for the Ravens, and respects them for the support they offered him throughout his career both on and off the field.

But wait… that’s not all.

The conversation eventually focused on his work with gay rights and Ayanbadejo was asked the question of when we might see an openly gay player in the NFL.? He replied:

I think it will happen sooner than you think. We’re in talks with a handful of players who are considering it.

There are up to four players being talked to right now and they’re trying to be organized so they can come out on the same day together. It would make a major splash and take the pressure off one guy. It would be a monumental day if a handful or a few guys come out.

He goes on to say…

Of course, there would be backlash. If they could share the backlash, it would be more positive. It?s cool. It?s exciting. We?re in talks with a few guys who are considering it.

The NFL and organizations are already being proactive and open if a player does it and if something negative happens. We?ll see what happens.?(READ MORE)

Are you mentally prepared for the expected influx of openly gay NFL players?