Michael Sam Headed to Canada

Michael Sam, who was a star dancing on TV for a short period after not being selected to play professional football last year, is going to be playing his beloved contact sport once again. Today, the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League announced that they've signed the first openly gay player drafted in the NFL to a two-year deal.

"I am very excited and proud to join the Montreal Alouettes," Sam said in a statement. "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."

Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp was equally excited about the decision. "With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organization today," he said in a release. "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."

Although we didn't know the Canadian Football League existed, it turns out Montreal's held the exclusive CFL rights to Sam since his senior year at Missouri, when he was the SEC co-defensive player of the year.

"He's a tremendous person, great character guy for your locker room," Popp told National Post. "He's an outstanding player ... he's just a great pass-rusher."