Montreal Alouettes defensive end Michael Sam is stepping away from the sport because he is concerned over his mental health.
Michael Sam, 25, is the first gay player drafted by the St. Louis Rams of the NFL in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
He signed a two-year deal with Canadian Football League (CFL)’s Montreal Alouettes in May, but the club said on its team website he had left for personal reasons.
Michael Sam was suspended in June after he left their training camp.
He tweeted: “The last 12 months have been very difficult for me.
“I became concerned with my mental health.
“Because of this I am going to step away from the game at this time. Thank you all for your understanding and support.”
Michael Sam was the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at the University of Missouri before graduating in December 2013.
The following February before the NFL Draft, he announced he was gay.
St Louis Rams selected Michael Sam in the seventh round of the 2014 draft but waived him in the final round of cuts.
Michael Sam was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys but they released him from their practice squad in October.
Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, has failed to make the St Louis Rams’ final roster.
The Rams filed their roster before August 30 deadline and Michael Sam was not among the 53-strong squad.
The 24-year-old defensive end can still be picked up by another team ahead of the season-opening matches next week.
Michael Sam’s move to declare that he is gay in February was applauded by many, including President Barack Obama.
He was one of 22 players waived in the Rams’ final cut.
Michael Sam has failed to make the St Louis Rams’ final roster (photo Getty Images)
Michael Sam had been selected by the Rams on the final day of this year’s draft in May and he kissed his boyfriend as a national television audience looked on.
Head coach Jeff Fisher had said he was mainly focused on what the footballer could do on the field.
Jeff Fisher said on Saturday there would be no challenge for any team that picked up Sam.
“He’s not about drawing attention to himself. He kept his head down and worked and you can’t ask anything more out of any player for that matter,” Jeff Fisher said.
“The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I’ve always known. The journey continues,” Michael Sam tweeted after the Rams’ decision was announced.
Michael Sam featured in the 26-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints, saying afterwards: “You know, I can play in this league.”
Michael Sam played college football at the University of Missouri.
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