Gay Bachelor Star Regrets Not Coming Out Sooner: I Had The Chance In 2014 When Michael Sam Came Out

Variety reports:

The future star of “The Bachelor” had been hiding his sexuality — from his family, his friends and himself — for his entire life. Underwood knew, at the age of six, that he was different; by his early teenage years, he knew he was attracted to men.

But growing up in a religious and conservative small town, especially as a star football player, he was taught that being gay was wrong.

“I had the opportunity in 2014 when I entered the draft. Michael Sam came out,” Underwood tells Variety during a cover story interview, revealing that he had considered coming out years ago. Getting choked up, Underwood expresses his regret and says he was not brave enough at the time.

Read the full article.

During our convo for this week’s cover story, @colton spoke about the impact #MichaelSam coming out had on him, as the first openly gay player in the NFL. He said Sam was made fun of in locker rooms & the homophobia only pushed him further into the closet. https://t.co/VaanFkdCWP

— Elizabeth Wagmeister (@EWagmeister) May 13, 2021