Video: NFL hopeful Michael Sam lands Visa endorsement deal

NFL hopeful Michael Sam has proven that being openly gay has not affected his chances of an endorsement, landing a deal with Visa.

The campaign, which aims to inspire “people to reach their own personal goals and aspirations”, launched this week.

It was announced in a statement from Visa’s chief marketing office Kevin Burke, coinciding with the NFL draft.

It was announced earlier this week that the Arthur Ashe Courage Award will be given to Sam at the 2014 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards (ESPYs) in Los Angeles in July. 

He is expected to be drafted on Saturday by experts, but some have said his sexuality may put off prospective teams as a “distraction”. 

Nonetheless, Sam has said he is “nervous and excited” about the draft. He could still become a “free agent” in the autumn if he is not drafted by a team.

A US Republican Lobbyist has taken aim at any NFL team willing to draft openly gay player Michael Sam, threatening that the team will “get roughed up financially”.

The advert is available to view below.

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