<p>Michael Sam encourages you to boldly and courageously pursue your dreams and define your success with his impassioned personal story of resilience over life's challenges.</p><p>A University of Missouri football star primed for an early round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Michael’s talents on the field were nearly sidelined when he came out as gay during an ESPN interview. While his revelation sent shockwaves through the sports world and resulted in a last round pick by the St. Louis Rams, Michael emerged as a powerful and prominent icon for inclusion, a pioneer for the LGBTQ community, and an exemplar of the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit. Among his many career accolades, Michael was awarded ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2014 ESPY’s. He is currently an NFL free agent.</p><p>Revered for his unwavering courage, graciousness and fortitude, Michael inspires with his personal journey of triumph over intense adversity. Authentic and heartfelt on the stage, his candor empowers audiences to overcome their own impediments to self-truth, love and acceptance.</p>
NCAA All-American Football Player, NFL Free Agent, & LGBT Athlete
<ul><li><strong>From Hitchcock High to the NFL: I am Michael Sam</strong></li><li>After ending his career at The University of Missouri as a consensus All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Sam made history in 2014 when he became the first openly gay player ever drafted by an NFL team. Now with an inspiring story of a small town Texas football star who kept his secret from the world, Michael shares his triumphs over hardships, valuable lessons on leveraging individual personal strengths to pursue one’s dreams, and lessons learned from key mentors in his life. Being true to yourself, remaining gracious and strong, and tackling life’s challenges—this is the story of Michael Sam. </li></ul>