Sam signs two-year deal with CFL's Alouettes

May 22, 2015 - 3:49 PM Montreal, QC (SportsNetwork.com) - Michael Sam, the first openly gay man to attempt to make an NFL roster, has signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.

Sam declared his homosexuality leading into the 2014 NFL Draft Combine. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the draft, but failed to make the roster. He later signed as a practice squad player with the Dallas Cowboys, but did not appear on their active roster during the 2014 season.

"I am very excited and proud to join the Montreal Alouettes and want to thank team owner Robert Wetenhall, general manager Jim Popp and head coach Tom Higgins for this opportunity," said Sam. "I cannot wait to put on the pads, get back on the field and work hard each and every day with my teammates to bring a Grey Cup to the great fans here in Montreal."

The SEC Defensive Player of the Year while at Missouri in his senior season, Sam appeared on Dancing with the Stars this past TV season and attempted to impress an NFL team by appearing at the veteran combine earlier this spring.

"With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organization today," said Popp. "Not only have we added an outstanding football player, we have added even a better person that brings dignity, character, and heart to our team."

In four seasons with Missouri, Sam registered a 123 total tackles, of which 36 were for losses, and 21 total sacks. He also notched two interceptions.