Why are you defending the NFL?
If the man isn't comfortable with homosexuals playing football with him (as it's his right to be uncomfortable), he has the right to say so.
Who the hell are you (or the NFL) to say he doesn't have that right, or that he should be forced to accept homosexuality just so he can play pro?
Of course he does. No real man would want a sodomite with him in the locker room.
He has the right to be uncomfortable, but his employer has the right to object and issue reprimands if their employee makes a statement they find distasteful while their employee is representing the company.