Athletes Who Came Out and Blew Up

Their courage paved the way for their fame!

Athletes Who Came Out and Blew Up - Although Darkanian acted afraid to come out, it was a big move for him. Take a look at other athletes who came out and rose their stock past anything they ever thought it would reach.(Photo: BET)

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Athletes Who Came Out and Blew Up - Although Darkanian acted afraid to come out, it was a big move for him. Take a look at other athletes who came out and rose their stock past anything they ever thought it would reach.(Photo: BET)

Jason Collins - By being the first pro athlete to come out while still being in the game, Jason Collins became an even bigger name and allowed for people like Michael Sam to be comfortable enough to come out as well.  (Photo: Eric McCandless/AP Photo)

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Jason Collins - By being the first pro athlete to come out while still being in the game, Jason Collins became an even bigger name and allowed for people like Michael Sam to be comfortable enough to come out as well.  (Photo: Eric McCandless/AP Photo)

Djuan Trent - News of Miss America contestant, Djuan Trent coming out as a lesbian swept the nation and filled the airwaves giving her mainstream attention. Trent expressed that her goal in coming out was for self-liberation, inspiration and awareness. We think she succeeded!  (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Djuan Trent - News of Miss America contestant, Djuan Trent coming out as a lesbian swept the nation and filled the airwaves giving her mainstream attention. Trent expressed that her goal in coming out was for self-liberation, inspiration and awareness. We think she succeeded!  (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Photo By Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Fallon Fox - Fallon Fox coming out as transgender was a surprise even to her! Apparently the MMA fighter received a call in 2013 during a celebratory dinner, asked probing questions and pretty much forced to answer, stating that: "These past six years, people have seen me as a woman, not a transsexual"  (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

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Fallon Fox - Fallon Fox coming out as transgender was a surprise even to her! Apparently the MMA fighter received a call in 2013 during a celebratory dinner, asked probing questions and pretty much forced to answer, stating that: "These past six years, people have seen me as a woman, not a transsexual"  (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Kwame Harris - Former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle was outed after being convicted of a felony for alledgedly assaulting his ex-boyfriend. While his coming out story may not have been under the best circumstances, Harris did make history by becoming the first NFL player to come out while playing. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Kwame Harris - Former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle was outed after being convicted of a felony for alledgedly assaulting his ex-boyfriend. While his coming out story may not have been under the best circumstances, Harris did make history by becoming the first NFL player to come out while playing. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Michael Sam - About two months ago, Michael Sam (player for the Missouri Tigers) decided to out himself. The best part about this is that Sam looks to be picked as a potential star in the upcoming NFL draft. (Photo: Darron Cummings/AP Photo, File)

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Michael Sam - About two months ago, Michael Sam (player for the Missouri Tigers) decided to out himself. The best part about this is that Sam looks to be picked as a potential star in the upcoming NFL draft. (Photo: Darron Cummings/AP Photo, File)

Dorien Bryant - Ex-Prudue football player, Dorien Bryant's story didn't exactly help him to hit it big, but he did cause a stir by stating that other members of his Boilermakers team may have been gay. The athlete also took a shot at Jason Collons, saying: "I don't think what he did was courageous-at all."  ::gasp::(Photo: Getty Images)

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Dorien Bryant - Ex-Prudue football player, Dorien Bryant's story didn't exactly help him to hit it big, but he did cause a stir by stating that other members of his Boilermakers team may have been gay. The athlete also took a shot at Jason Collons, saying: "I don't think what he did was courageous-at all."  ::gasp::(Photo: Getty Images)