College Football Star Likely to Become First NFL Athlete with Openly Same-Sex Parents

Photo: Todd Rosenberg via AP

Trey McBride and his family are poised to make NFL history.

The star Colorado State University tight end is widely expected to be selected for this year’s NFL Draft, which kicks off in Las Vegas on Thursday. If he’s chosen for a professional team, McBride will be the first NFL player with openly same-sex parents.

“Really, it’s just normal to me,” McBride said. “It’s something that I’ve been with my whole life. It’s not anything that I know differently.”

TODAY/YouTube

Kate, who could be seen alongside Jen in a video interview withTODAYlooking absolutely giddy with excitement for their son, said more than anything she’s excited to watch her son live his dream.

“When your kid comes to you when they’re little and they say they want to be president, you’re like, ‘OK, honey, that’s great,'” Kate said. “He wanted to play in the NFL, and he’s going to do it.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kate and Jen, who began their family back in the 1990s, said things were very different for same-sex parents at that time.

Despite the barriers they faced, McBride’s moms paved the way for their children’s success, including their son becoming a Division 1 leader in receptions and yards, as well as a unanimous pick for the All-American Team.

RELATED VIDEO: Senior Director of DEI with the NFL Wants to ‘Help Enfranchise Women Into the Sport’

McBride toldTODAYthat the unwavering support of his moms throughout his childhood was essential to getting him where he is today.

“They’ve done a great job of pushing me to be the best version of myself and just constantly giving support and love,” he said.

Football superfans and casual viewers alike will be able to tune into the NFL Draft this weekend on the NFL Network, ABC or ESPN. Round 1 of the selection process begins 6 p.m. MT on Thursday.

source: people.com