Gay gridiron star Michael Sam steps away from game citing ‘mental health’ issues

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player picked in the NFL draft, has revealed he is “stepping away” from football because of concerns about his mental health. Sam, who made history when he was selected in the seventh round by the St Louis Rams, announced his decision on Twitter. The defensive lineman thanked the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes, with whom he signed a two-year contract in May, and added he hoped to return soon. The Alouettes have confirmed Sam has left for “personal reasons” and that he has been added to the team’s suspended list.

The last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health.

Michael Sam, on Twitter

Although Sam was selected by the Rams, he did not make their roster for the 2015 season. The 25-year-old then spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, but was released from their practice squad in October. Sam was a college star for the University of Missouri, where he was named the Southeastern Conference’s co-defensive player of the year in 2013.

Sports Michael Sam