The Sun Devil Football program, the Pac-12 and college football just got stronger today. Edward “Chip” Sarafin, a walk-on lineman at Arizona State, looked fear in the eye and won when he publicly announced that he was gay.

In an interview with Compete Magazine which focused on his involvement in ASU’s Bioengineering Masters program, Sarafin made his announcement.

It was inevitable that an active college football player would make an announcement in the wake of Michael Sam, a stand-out defensive star in the SEC last season, coming out prior to the 2014 NFL draft. But to be the first active player in big time college football to take that next step, Sarafin showed some moxie.

In college football, bravery, guts and glory take many forms. We can see it in a snap of the football when a player sacrifices his own health and safety, knowing he will pay the price of physical pain, for the advancement of his team. It can be seen when an upperclassman takes a newcomer under his wing, a newcomer who may very well take his spot on game day. And we see it when a player like Chip Sarafin risks judgement and ridicule by choosing to be a completely honest teammate to the guys he calls brothers.

The fact that Sarafin is a Sun Devil should only make Sun Devil Nation more proud of their team. I believe that Sarafin’s decision is another testament to the honor and respect that head coach Todd Graham has emphasized with his players and infused into the culture of his program. 

It was Coach Frank Kush who used his influence to secure a walk-on spot for Chip Sarafin

Coach Graham released the following statement today,

“We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual’s commitment to the Sun Devil Way. Chip is a fifth-year senior and a Scholar Baller, a graduate and a master’s student. His commitment to service is unmatched and it is clear he is on his way to leading a successful life after his playing career, a goal that I have for every student-athlete. Diversity and acceptance are two of the pillars of our program, and he has full support from his teammates and the coaching staff.”

Safarin’s role has been with the lineman on the scout team who help to provide position depth for the program. He also gives his time to youth sports in the valley and the Tillman Scholars program at Arizona State.

Interestingly enough, it was Coach Frank Kush who used his influence to secure a walk-on spot for Chip Sarafin as stated in the Compete Magazine article.

In the end, perhaps Sarafin’s greatest contribution to the Sun Devils and big time college football won’t actually be his decision to come out as an active player. As part of ASU’s Bioengineering Masters program, Safarin is reportedly working with the university and the equipment company, Rydell, to advance the technology and protection of college football helmets and further reduce player concussions.

I’d venture to say that due to Chip Sarafin’s courage, the Sun Devil Brotherhood could be stronger this year than in years past. On the field, that brotherhood can become this team’s edge in pulling out some huge victories in 2014.

ForksUp, Chip.