Michael Sam Taking Break from Football

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Sports

Michael Sam Taking Break from Football

Photography by Richard Phibbs

The 25-year-old defensive end cited mental health reasons for his exit.

Glenn Garner

August 15 2015 3:36 PM EST

August 16 2015 11:11 PM EST

Photo by Richard Phibbs for Out

In a three-part tweet yesterday, Michael Sam announced that he will be taking a break from playing for the Montreal Allouettes out of concern for his mental health:

\u201cThe last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health. Because of this I am 1/3\u201d
— Michael Sam (@Michael Sam) 1439595040

\u201cgoing to step away from the game at this time. I thank the Alouettes for this opportunity and hope to be back on the field soon. Thank 2/3\u201d
— Michael Sam (@Michael Sam) 1439595079

\u201cyou all for your understanding and support. 3/3\u201d
— Michael Sam (@Michael Sam) 1439595104

Sam signed a two-year deal with the Alouettes this summer, but he left the training camp June 12 for personal reasons and sat out the first five games of the season. During his first game of the season Aug. 7, he took to the field at the end of the first quarter but did not record one tackle or sack.

Sam made history when he became the first openly gay player to be drafted to the NFL during the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft. After being cut from the Saint Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys, he was drafted to the CFL.

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Michael Sam Taking Break from Football

The 25-year-old defensive end cited mental health reasons for his exit.

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