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Michael Sam issues a passionate plea following the Orlando massacre. USATSI

In the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States at an Orlando gay club Sunday morning, Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL, issued a passionate plea to the rest of the country. Using Instagram to release his response, Sam also offered his condolences to the friends and loved ones of the 50 victims of the shooting.

In the caption, Sam wrote:

"To my brothers and sisters of the LGBTQ community please take the time to read this. If you have not already heard there was a terrible shooting at a gay night club in Orlando. It is not only a sad day for the #LGBTQ community, but for the American people. 50 people lost their lives because of a hateful coward with a gun. Let this hateful act of terror on the #LGBTQ community be a wake up call for America. Men and women of all races, ages, and sexual orientation are being slaughtered because of hate crimes. How many more must die from a hate crime? We need to create awareness for ALL to show that hate is not the foundation of our nation. Friends DO NOT let this coward put fear into your hearts!!! Let us all come together stronger than ever and let the world know that we will not be terrorized or bullied by the actions of hateful bigots. We are here to stay and fight not only for equality, but for our very existence. To the victims love ones of this terrible crime I and the entire#LGBTQ community in the world stands with you and mourns with you.#standwithorlando #prayfororlando #love #peace #lbgtq #pride"

And here's the photo that accompanied his message:

A photo posted by Michael Sam (@mikeysam52) on

Sam, drafted by the Rams in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has been out of football since a short stint with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League ended in 2015.

Other NFL players, like Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, also expressed their sadness.

Patriots' receiver Julian Edelman and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald had similar messages: