InstagramMichael Sam may want to brush up on his Français.
Months after being cut from the St. Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys and showcasing his moves on Dancing With the Stars, the 25-year-old Texas-born football player, who made history by being the first openly gay NFL draft pick, is going to play pro football again. In Montreal, Canada.
The athlete has signed a two-year deal to play for Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes team, its official website reported on Friday. He joins former NFL player Chad Johnson, 37, who was recruited by the Alouettes in 2014. He also competed on Dancing With the Stars, in 2010, when was he known as Chad Ochocinco
"I am very excited and proud to join the Montreal Alouettes and want to thank team Owner Robert Wetenhall, General Manager Jim Popp and Head Coach Tom Higgins for this opportunity," Sam was quoted as saying. "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."
"With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organization today," the 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."
The team's Instagram page also featured a special tribute post for Sam.
"Bienvenue à Montréal @mikeysam52 !" it read. "Welcome to Montreal @mikeysam52! #VivementJuin #IsItJuneYet."
Sam, a defensive end and University of Missouri football star, was drafted into the NFL in the seventh and final round in May 2014. He played in several preseason games before he was eliminated in a second round of player cuts three months later. All 31 other NFL teams had the option of putting in a claim to have him play for them. In September, Sam was added to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. He was waived from the roster after seven weeks.
It is common for players who were cut from or who didn't qualify to play for a team in the NFL to join other football leagues abroad. Almost half of the members of the Alouettes played college football in the United States and many played with NFL teams. And like many American CFL alumni, Sam could also return to play pro football in the United States in the future.
Sam competed during the most recent season 20 of ABC's Dancing With the Stars. He and pro dance partner Peta Murgatroyd were eliminated in the third week. Sam recently returned to the show for a special appearance during Tuesday's finale, which was won by actress Rumer Willis and partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
The Allouettes last won the CFL championship in 2010, beating the Saskatchewan Roughriders. They also competed against the team and took home the Grey Cup the year before. Sam's former University of Missouri football team mate, Kendial Lawrence, plays for the Edmonton Eskimos. The 24-year-old congratulated Sam on Twitter about his new job.
Congrats to my boi Mike Sam #catchMeifyouCan
? Kendial Lawrence (@K_Lawrence4) May 22, 2015