Montreal Alouettes defensive end Michael Sam has decided to step away from football, according to his Twitter page. Sam did not go into specifics, but it was made clear that the mental toll he has dealt with throughout the last year has led to this decision.
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Sam was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and then announced his homosexuality during the NFL Draft process. Here are Sam’s tweets:
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 (@MichaelSam52) 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 (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
you all for your understanding and support. 3/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
Sam was given a ton of media attention throughout the NFL Draft Combine and workouts before the St. Louis Rams drafted him in the seventh round. Sam became a lightning rod because of his sexuality, something he openly displayed on national television during the draft when he kissed his boyfriend.
After being taken by the Rams, Sam went through the preseason with them and played well but was ultimately cut. The Dallas Cowboys then picked up Sam and placed him on their practice squad before ultimately releasing him before the end of the regular season.
From there, Sam went on Dancing With The Stars before signing in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes. Sam was practicing with the team before going on a sabbatical for undisclosed reasons before returning to the team. Now, it appears his time in Montreal, and perhaps professional football, is over.