CBSSports.com football analyst Mike Freeman is reporting that “a current gay player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months—and after doing so, the player would attempt to continue his career.”

According to Freeman, the player is concerned about a negative reaction from fans.

“The player would attempt to continue his career” after his coming out announcement, wrote Freeman in a March 25 blog posting.

“Based on interviews over the past several weeks with current and former players, I’m told that a current gay NFL player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months,” he reported.

“I’m told this player feels the time is now for someone to take this step—despite homophobic remarks from San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver and the controversy arising recently at the Indianapolis Scouting combine, when prospects were asked questions about their sexuality.

“This player’s true concern, I’m told, is not the reaction inside an NFL locker room but outside of it. The player fears he will suffer serious harm from homophobic fans, and that is the only thing preventing him from coming out. My sources will not say who this alleged player is.”