For the first time in history there is an openly gay athlete in the sports world and his name is Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards.He’s played in the NBA for more than 12 years for six different teams and will be a free agent this summer.

Collins said it was mind blowing to know he was the first athlete to ever come out and announce he was gay.Collins opened up about his homosexuality in an article published on Sports Illustrated’s website on yesterday and quickly became a fire storm.

“I hope that every player makes a decision that leads to their own happiness,” Collins told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos in an exclusive interview Monday night.

“I know that I, right now, am the happiest that I’ve ever been in my life,” he said. “A huge weight has been lifted. I’ve already been out to my family and my friends, but just to, you know, sort of rip the Band-Aid off and come out on my own terms.”

Since coming out Collins have received tons of report from former teammates The White House and other sports like the NFL.

“It’s incredible. You just try to live an honest, genuine life and next thing you know you have the president calling you,” Collins told ABC News.