Oprah Winfrey to interview gay NFL star Michael Sam this month
Oprah Winfrey is set to interview gay American football star Michael Sam later this month.
The player – who has had brief spells with the St Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys – made history as the first openly gay NFL player, though he is yet to play an on-season game.
He was drafted to the Rams in May this year, before being cut in August – and subsequently spent less than two months on the Cowboys practice team before being cut again in October.
Sam had initially made plans for an Oprah documentary while playing for the Rams in May, but it was postponed to allow him to concentrate on his playing career.
However, the documentary and an exclusive interview will air this month now he is a free agent, and not signed to a particular team.
A release confirmed: “Oprah Winfrey Network will air the exclusive documentary, ‘Michael Sam’ on Saturday, December 27.
“The 90-minute documentary follows the life of Michael Sam, who made history when he became the first openly gay football player drafted into the NFL.
“The documentary was originally announced as a multi-part series but transitioned into a 90-minute documentary when shooting was postponed to allow Michael to focus on football.
“Following the documentary special, Oprah Winfrey speaks exclusively with Michael Sam in his first television interview since being cut from the NFL on a special episode of ‘Oprah Prime’.”
OWN president Erik Logan said: “Michael Sam is breaking down boundaries and showing the world what it means to be authentic to who you are no matter what the circumstance.
“That’s a central theme with the documentary and we hope it continues an important discussion.
“Michael is an inspiration to millions and we are proud to be able to share his courageous story – in his own words – with our audience.”
