Thousands of supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage held dueling rallies outside the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court today while inside, justices heard the oral arguments in one of the most anticipated cases in recent memory.

Two professional football players who garnered lots of headlines last year for their outspoken support of marriage equality are now taking their advocacy to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Before yesterday, voters in more than 30 consecutive statewide elections across the United States approved bans on same-sex marriage. On Tuesday, three states broke that trend, while Wisconsin elected the first openly gay U.S. Senator.

The campaign to make sure that same-sex marriage stays legal in Maryland got another boost this week from the ranks of professional football with a $100,000 donation from former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Brendon Ayanbadejo, the Baltimore Ravens linebacker who has been an outspoken supporter of marriage equality in Maryland, said in a radio interview yesterday that his team backs his role as an activist for equal rights.

Roger Gooddell, the commissioner of the National Football League, said it was “healthy for our democracy” when professional athletes speak their minds on social and political issues like marriage equality.

After a wave of criticism, including an epic takedown by NFL punter Chris Kluwe, Maryland Del. Emmett C. Burns Jr. is backing off his denunciation of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo’s support of marriage equality.

Earlier this week, Maryland Del. Emmett C. Burns Jr. denounced Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo for his support of same-sex marriage. Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe had some thoughts about Burns.