He made history as the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL, and while Michael Sam hasn’t yet become the regular player he had hoped to be, and is currently a free agent, his story remains an inspiration, and a new documentary called Michael Sam, debuting tonight at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, tells that story. (Originally planned as a multi-part series, Michael Sam was transitioned into a 90-minute documentary after shooting was postponed to allow Sam to focus on football.)
Following the film, Oprah will speak exclusively to Sam in his first TV interview since being cut from the NFL. This interview airs on Oprah Prime beginning at 10:30pm ET/PT.
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“Partnering with Emmy-winning producer Craig Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Amy Rice (“Lindsay,” “By The People: The Election of Barack Obama”), the OWN documentary “Michael Sam” follows the former University of Missouri college football star as he enters the world of professional football and vies for a spot on an NFL team. Cameras get up close and personal with Michael as he openly discusses a childhood fraught with tragedy and poverty, as well as his emotional decision to come out as a gay man in the world of pro sports. The documentary captures the moment when Michael was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, the intense media scrutiny that immediately followed, and Michael’s struggle to stay focused despite the pressure and chaos. Additionally, the documentary explores Michael’s relationship with his boyfriend Vito and the challenge of balancing his personal life alongside his pursuit of NFL stardom. Following the documentary, Oprah Winfrey exclusively speaks with Michael Sam on “Oprah Prime,” discussing the worldwide reaction following his public announcement. Michael talks about his historic decision to come out as a gay man in the world of pro sports and his triumphs and tears as he pursues a career in professional football. Following his release from the St. Louis Rams, Michael was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, though was waived after seven weeks and is now a free agent. Oprah and Michael also talk about his difficult childhood, his boyfriend Vito, and how he hopes sharing his story will further the conversation around equality.”
Michael Sam premieres Dec. 27 at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
Following the film, Oprah interviews Michael Sam during Oprah Prime, Dec. 27 at 10:30pm ET/PT on OWN.
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Photo courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey network
