Edward "Chip" Sarafin told Compete Magazine, a Tempe, Arizona-based LGBT publication, that he is gay.

Sarafin came out to his team before going public.

"It was really personal to me and it benefited my peace of mind greatly," Sarafin told Compete Magazine of coming out to his teammates.

Sarafin becomes the first current Division I college football player to publicly announce he is gay.

"We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual's commitment to the Sun Devil Way," ASU coach Todd Graham said in a statement. "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."

"The entire athletics department is extremely proud of Chip and is unequivocally supportive of him," vice president of ASU athletics Ray Anderson said.