Visa Inks Endorsement Deal With Michael Sam, Launches First Ad During NFL Draft

Visa tonight announced it has signed an endorsement deal with Michael Sam. The first ad in the campaign has launched on YouTube as the first round of the NFL draft is underway in New York City.

In his first spot, Sam, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year out of Missouri, is shown working out while a voiceover urges the viewer to judge him for his play on the field, not off of it. "We felt that Michael's story was a perfect fit for our 'everywhere' campaign, which is meant to inspire people to reach their own personal goals and aspirations," Visa's chief marketing officer Kevin Burke told ESPN.com. "We wish Michael the best on and off the field as he embarks on the next chapter of his life." Added Cameron Weiss, Sam's agent and attorney: "We've been really selective in trying to find the right partners and we couldn't be more pleased to start with a world-class company like Visa."

Some sports analysts have predicted that Sam won't be selected until the third round of the draft on Saturday. ESPN notes that Sam has received dozens of endorsement offers, an "unprecedented number for an expected late-round pick."