Photography by Roger Erickson
Heroes, past and present, who play for our team.
A documentary duo—Will Sweeney and Charyl Furjanic—are attempting to produce a feature film about the diver, titled Back on Board. "As a gay filmmaker, I’ve always admired Greg," Furjanic said. "And I see this film as an opportunity to reintroduce a true pioneer to the American public."
An All-American running back born in Illinois and raised in California, young David Kopay -- tall, well-built, and forceful on the field -- appeared to be the quintessential NFL player. He would go on to create a new mold in 1975 when he came out as gay. His 1977 book, The David Kopay Story, was an instant bestseller. “[Speaking out] was important then and it’s important now,” says Kopay, “but it’s even more important now because there’s a much more positive attitude about the progress we have made in our community, the visibility that we’ve achieved.” Now 71 years old, Kopay dedicates his days to helping achieve equality on the field through his work with the Gay and Lesbian Athletics Foundation
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