With eight picks left during last week’s NFL draft, Michael Sam was at last selected by the St. Louis Rams, thereby becoming the first openly gay football player drafted into the league. OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the production of a multi-part documentary series following the life of Michael Sam, the former University of Missouri player about to enter America’s biggest pro sports league. The project currently has the working title of The Untitled Michael Sam Project.
“We are honored that Michael is trusting us with his private journey in this moment that has not only made history but will shape it forever,” said Oprah Winfrey in a release for the series. “I am proud of the focus on authentic storytelling in our new documentary series format. The next real-life story we follow in The Untitled Michael Sam Project promises to spark valuable, important discussion on life in America today. Acceptance and illumination start here.”
For the series, OWN is partnering with Pilgrim Studios and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Amy Rice (Lindsay). A release for the documentary says that it “will feature a deeply personal, up-close look at the remarkable man at the center of this groundbreaking moment in professional sports, as the All-American defensive end and SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year enters the competitive world of professional football. Cameras will follow Sam as he works to earn his spot on the St. Louis Rams all while under the intense scrutiny of being the first openly gay player in the NFL.”
Also in the release, Michael Sam said: “Like every player out there working to make a team right now, my focus is on playing football to the very best of my ability. I am determined. And if seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together.”
No word on when The Untitled Michael Sam Project will debut.
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Photo: Brandon Wade/AP
