Michael Sam leaves CFL’s Alouettes

Sam, the first openly-gay player in professional football, appeared in one game for the Alouettes.

In a series of three tweets, Sam wrote, “The last 12 months have been very hard for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health”.

From there, Sam went on Dancing With The Stars before signing in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes. He did not register a tackle. Because of this I am going to step away from the game at this time. “Thank you all for your understanding and support”, Sam said on Twitter.

Sam agreed to a two-year deal with the Alouettes this summer.

The Texan was a former SEC co-defensive player of the year in his senior season at the University of Missouri.

Sam, a seventh round pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft, made his professional debut against the Ottawa Redblacks on August. 7.

His decision to walk away ends a tumultuous season with the Alouettes.

The Als placed Sam on the team’s suspended list after his Friday announcement, retaining his rights should he return to the CFL.

Outsports has learned that this departure is again for personal reasons, like his leave of absence from the team in June, and not for performance reasons. His football career may be coming to an end.