Brendon Ayanbadejo Says Raiders Showed Support

The Ravens's Ayanbadejo may look big and tough (and scarily ripped!), but he has been one of the most ardent supporters of marriage equality in his adopted home state of Maryland. And it seems he's been receiving congrats--although he's not the one getting married. but his vocal support seems to have paid off with the vote to legalize same-sex unions passing in Maryland last week. He told TMZ that several Raiders players were excited that Maryland legalized gay marriage last week ... "and even gave him props during Sunday's game." (The Ravens ended up beating the Raiders 55-20.)

"Three Raiders congratulated me on working with and for marriage equality," Ayanbadejo said. "I remember their names but I will keep that to myself." He went on to say, "Ethnicity-wise, it was two white guys and one black guy. Ethnicity plays an important part in this movement."

Although Ayanbadejo is straight, he's been an outspoken gay rights advocate for years (which is pretty rare in the NFL) and now says he's taking the battle for marriage equality back to his native California.

Of course he's been receiving backup there too, with Vikings punter Chris Kluwe appearing in California for the cuase. Now Browns LB Scott Fujita has also pledged his allegiance to help in the state.