Since no NFL team wanted to sign Michael Sam, the first openly gay athlete drafted by an NFL franchise, he has decided to go to Canada. He signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

“With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organization today,” Alouettes general manager Jim Popp said in a statement. “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.”

Sam played at the University of Missouri and was the SEC co-defensive player of the year after his senior year. According to ESPN, the Alouettes had his exclusive CFL rights since that year.

However, Sam tried out with the NFL first, but it didn’t work out. He was first drafted by the St. Louis Rams, but didn’t make the team. In September, he joined the Dallas Cowboys, but was released from the practise squad a month later.

Sam, 25, was the first openly gay athlete drafted in the NFL. He did say in March that other NFL players have told him that they are gay, but one have come out. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars.

image courtesy of INFphoto.com