Brendon Ayanbadejo, Former Baltimore Ravens NFL Player, Says NFL Players To Come Out as Gay [VIDEO]: 'At least Four NFL Players Considering It'

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and gay rights activist Brenden Ayanbadejo understands why the NFL let him go.  He also said that at least four NFL players are preparing to come out as gay.

"I think it will happen sooner than you think," Ayanbadejo told The Baltimore Sun on Friday. "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."

Watch Video of Ayanbadejo speaking on Prop 8 in support of same sex marriage:

CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, began reporting in March that the NFL may be ready for its first openly gay player.

Ayanbadejo has been in support of gay marriage and gay rights, and was dropped from the NFL because he was vocal about his support of gay marriage.

Ayanbadejo made headlines last September when a Maryland State Senator wrote a letter to the Ravens asking them to stifle the linebacker's vocal support of gay marriage, according to Yahoo Sports.

Despite the Ravens severing their ties with Ayanbadejo, he understands the reasoning and said, that he is "a Raven for life."

"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."

Ayanbadejo, has a wife and two kids, but is passionate about equality.