Michael Sam who is the first openly gay football player to be drafted by the NFL has decided to step away from playing professional football. Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2014 but was cut from the team. He was then was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys but was only on the practice squad before he was released during the season.

He had started this season with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes as he had signed a two-year agreement to play for the team. Sam cited a tumultuous past year for leaving football at this time. The Alouettes confirmed in a release that Sam has left the club for "personal reasons" and that he has been added to the team's suspended list.

Sam announced his decision via Twitter on Friday night:

The last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health. Because of this I am 1/3

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 14, 2015

going to step away from the game at this time. I thank the Alouettes for this opportunity and hope to be back on the field soon. Thank 2/3

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 14, 2015

you all for your understanding and support. 3/3

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 14, 2015

 

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